This project aims to empower 8th-grade students with the skills to create a budget that aligns with their personal needs and values, while also providing them with real-world insights into financial management. Through engaging with local small business owners and analyzing real-life case studies, students will develop competencies in data analysis, critical thinking, and decision-making. The project facilitates a deeper understanding of how financial decisions are made in both personal and business contexts, fostering resilience and problem-solving skills. By the end of the week-long project, students will have created a balanced budget and documented their learning journey, culminating in a Values & Needs Fair where they present their findings and receive community feedback.

This project aims to equip students with essential financial literacy skills by engaging them in the process of creating a budget that aligns with both personal needs and values. Students will enhance their data analysis and interpretation skills by examining real-life case studies of small business budgets. They will learn to identify patterns and make informed decisions about financial planning. Through interactions with local small business owners, students will gain practical insights into managing budgets effectively. The project will also foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and reflective skills as students document their learning journey and challenges in a reflective journal. By the end of the project, students will have developed the ability to create a balanced budget that meets both needs and values, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the real-world application of these skills.

Students will create a comprehensive personal budget plan that reflects their individual needs and values, utilizing skills in data analysis and interpretation. Additionally, they will produce a series of short video documentaries featuring interviews with local small business owners, showcasing how these businesses balance financial needs and values in their budgeting. These products will be presented at the Values & Needs Fair, offering students an opportunity to share their learning and receive feedback from community members.

To kick off the project, organize a "Budgeting Bootcamp" where students participate in an interactive workshop led by a local small business owner. During this session, the business owner will share their experiences and challenges in budgeting, offering a real-world perspective on balancing financial needs and values. Students will engage in hands-on activities, such as creating a mock budget for a small business scenario, allowing them to apply initial budgeting concepts. This launch activity will set the stage for the project by providing practical insights and sparking curiosity about the complexities of budgeting in a business context.

To effectively exhibit the students' work at the end of this project, organize a "Values & Needs Fair" where students can present their budgeting projects. Each student or group can set up a booth showcasing their budget plans, highlighting how they have balanced financial needs with personal values. Encourage students to create visual displays, such as charts or infographics, to illustrate their budgeting process and outcomes. Additionally, students can present their short video documentaries featuring interviews with local small business owners, offering real-world insights into budgeting challenges. Invite community members, including local business owners, parents, and other students, to attend the fair. This event will provide students with the opportunity to receive feedback, engage in discussions, and reflect on their learning journey. The fair not only celebrates the students' hard work but also fosters a sense of community and connection by involving local stakeholders in the learning process.