Ele:Vating Urban Youth for Economic Health

Abstract:

Economis is a token economy incentive system created as part of Ele:Vate, a major economic literacy initiative for lower-income youth designed and funded by a private Midwest foundation. Now kids in Jim Flaherty's class earn credits, in a currency called "Bling," for punctuality, homework completion and classroom behavior. "We chose behaviors that were transferable to the workplace," Flaherty explains. "We want to train the kids to have the same attitude they'll need to be successful on the job when they grow up."

In Philanthropy Magazine.