Five Steps to Hosting a Personal Finance Workshop

Posted September 14, 2015 by Raven Newberry

A workshop can be a great way to engage students with personal finance. Workshops can be stand-alone events held within a classroom, or paired with other campus events such as student orientation. Follow these simple steps to plan and implement a workshop on your campus!

1) Decide on a topic.

One way to choose a topic is to ask students directly what they would like to know about personal finance. This helps ensure the workshop is engaging and relevant to their daily lives. Conduct an informal survey on Twitter, Facebook, Survey Monkey, the NEFE Evaluation Toolkit, or in person to find out what session students would most likely attend.

2) Select a workshop.

CashCourse provides 12 downloadable and ready-to-go workshop kits. These kits include a PowerPoint guide, facilitator’s guide, and relevant worksheets. Topics covered include preventing identity theft, paying back student loans, and money management tips.

3) Tell people about it.

Now that you’ve selected your workshop, promote it! Let students know the details of the event through social media, email blasts and flyers. Need marketing materials? Check out CashCourse’s customizable marketing templates designed specifically for workshops.

4) Make sure you prepare.

Read the workshop kit Instructions, terms of use and facilitator’s guide. Practice the PowerPoint presentation and make sure you feel comfortable with the topic. 

5) Make it yours.

Customize the presentation and handouts to reflect your school’s branding. Think of personal examples that you would be willing to share that might help elaborate on a key point or takeaway. Make sure the workshop is tailored for your campus’ unique needs.

Want more advice like this? Read the Campus Planning Workbook, a guide full of tips and best practices for financial literacy campaigns.