Spalding University expands free youth program teaching teens life skills

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Spalding University is expanding its partnership with a Louisville nonprofit on a comprehensive youth development program.

It's a six-week course for teenagers from 13 to 17 years old. It's a continuation of Community Connections' financial literacy initiative that began in 2023.

The free program starts June 28 and continues every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

"We are immensely proud to announce that our financial literacy program has been a huge success," James Linton, founder of Community Connections said in a news release. "We have already graduated four classes with a 96% completion rate, and we're changing lives one teenager at a time."

The curriculum covers a variety of life skills like financial literacy and investment education, career and life preparation, insurance and risk management, personal development, mental health and wellness, professional skills development and leadership and communication.

"Spalding University is excited to provide a welcoming college campus environment where students can learn these essential life skills," Dr. Anne Kenworthy of Spalding University said in a news release. "We also welcome parents to join their teenagers in this learning experience. Through this partnership, we hope to keep high school students engaged in programs that provide economic mobility and safety during the summer months while strengthening family bonds through shared learning."

The program is held at Spalding University's campus at 901 S 4th Street.

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