Harris, who has been homeschooled since fourth grade and is now entering seventh, recently launched his biggest outreach venture: a retrofitted commuter bus that’s now a mobile classroom complete with a fake bank, grocery store and a scholarship designed to give children a real life. finance lesson.
“I’ve seen people turn buses into houses and I thought, ‘How about a financial learning center where kids can understand financial literacy?’ “, did he declare. “I found a really good deal in Florida on a charter bus for $10,000 and went to business meetings and met with CEOs to tell them about my mission. I raised about $50,000 to prepare it.
The bus has been on the road since early August and has received positive feedback. “They really like the story of the grocery store that has a ‘produce’ section and ‘Caden Cheddar Chips,'” he said. They also like the fake ATM and the bank, because most children have never entered a bank.
Harris’ father, Sean, now has a new title: Mr. Bus Driver. And he has seen with his own eyes how young people react to the whole program.
“It’s really great to see the impact he has on other kids and how excited they are,” said Sean Harris. “Their first reactions are so electric; they are really taken aback. They’re able to learn with fun interaction with someone in their own peer group, and they get so engaged that we have to drag them off the bus.
Harris’ plan is to take the bus at least twice a week. And he’s already looking at the long term.
“I would like to pursue this career until I am an adult, then maybe I can make this business work while teaching parents about financial literacy so they can also teach their children. I know most kids graduate from high school without knowing the basics, and starting at a younger age can really help. And I don’t want to be the only rich kid!
Information about Caden teaches finance is online at cadentachesbus.com.
SEND US YOUR STORIES. Each week, we take a look at successful programs, projects, and efforts at area schools, from kindergarten through graduate school. To suggest a story, contact HM Cauley at [email protected] or 770-744-3042.
