Rock band to teach students lessons in finance

Weaving a high-energy, live rock performance with testimony of the artists’ life lessons on finance, Carter Hulsey and the band Me Like Bees will visit four Nebraska schools March 19-22 to share with students how financial literacy and confidence enable them to make dreams realities.

The schedule is:

• Fremont Middle School, Fremont: March 19, 1:30 p.m.

• Westside Middle School, Omaha: March 20, 2 p.m.

• Schoo Middle School, Lincoln: March 21, 1:15 p.m.

• Lincoln High School, Lincoln: March 22, 8:50 a.m.

The Nebraska Council on Economic Education coordinates and secures sponsors for the tour.

Jennifer Davidson, NCEE president and assistant professor of practice in economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, coordinated the performances and explained why the band’s music and message are a win-win for young people.

“Partnering with Funding the Future and nationally known musicians has been the most fun and engaging way to bring the important financial literacy message to today’s students,” she said. “The rock concert catches the students off guard, and they are paying attention. It’s not something they are used to in a school setting. They have a great time listening to truly amazing musicians.”

After the concert, Hulsey will talk to students about the importance of saving, how compound interest works, why to stay away from payday lenders and how making wise financial decisions can help a person fulfill one’s dreams.

“Hearing the authentic life experiences shared on stage, students take in the important message that if you are not a slave to debt, you have so much more freedom to reach your goals,” Davidson said.

The NCEE has partnered with Funding the Future, a nonprofit committed to teaching financial literacy to students, on the initiative since 2015. More than 10,000 students at 19 Nebraska schools have been reached. The musicians’ message resonates with students because they openly discuss financial misconceptions that impacted them early in their careers.

“These financial principles are things I wasn’t taught in school growing up, and I am thankful and excited to be able to share this message with young people,” said Hulsey, who has toured the country for the past 10 years on the Vans Warped Tour, Bamboozle Road Show and with bands such as Third Eye Blind, Good Charlotte and Hanson. “Playing music is a great avenue to break the ice and then begin a conversation about financial literacy.”

For more information on the NCEE, contact Davidson at jdavidson2@unl.edu or click here.