Southfield, MI – Shawn Stafford, founder of That Next Level Foundation, continues to champion the importance of financial literacy education as a key driver of lifelong success. With the State of Michigan incorporating financial literacy into its high school curriculum requirements, Stafford believes students across the state will now have access to the tools and knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions.
“Financial literacy isn’t just about balancing a checkbook — it’s about teaching young people the fundamentals of money management, credit, saving, investing, and responsible decision-making,” said Shawn Stafford of Michigan. “By making this a statewide priority, Michigan is ensuring that every student is better prepared for the real world.”
The move by Michigan adds financial literacy as a graduation requirement, ensuring students graduate with practical skills alongside their academic knowledge. For Shawn Stafford and That Next Level Foundation, this aligns perfectly with their mission of providing mentorship, educational resources, and community support to help individuals and families achieve long-term financial stability.
Stafford has long emphasized that access to financial knowledge can help break cycles of poverty, promote entrepreneurship, and create stronger communities. Through That Next Level Foundation, he has worked to empower Detroit-area youth and families with programs focused on financial education, personal growth, and opportunity.
“This is a game-changer for Michigan students,” Stafford added. “The earlier we teach financial skills, the greater the impact. It’s about giving young people confidence and control over their futures.”
With Michigan now among the growing number of states requiring personal finance education, Stafford believes the state is taking a leadership role that will inspire others to follow.
For more information about Shawn Stafford and the work of That Next Level Foundation in Michigan, visit https://tnlfoundation.org.
Wonderful foundation with an amazing purpose. Helping communities become more financially literate is something we should all support. I fully support the message and practices that come from That Next Level Foundation. It’s a wonderful thing to see this foundation giving back to their communities, and helping the next generation.
TNL consistently makes a positive impact on our youth! This kind of inspiration shapes brighter futures!
Making it a mission to provide financial literacy access to young people is future proofing their lives and supporting their trajectory. Literacy bridges the gap between the financially healthy and those who are not.
Thank you for being a champion for the kids in our community. Financial literacy is needed for all students.
Financial literacy equips young learners with essential skills in budgeting, saving, investing, and entrepreneurship. TNL is helping to close the wealth gap by fostering confidence, knowledge, and long-term financial independence within the next generation of African-American leaders.
Empowering students with financial literacy is one of the best investments we can make in our communities. It’s inspiring to see initiatives that equip Michigan’s youth with the knowledge to build strong, financially secure futures.
This is something the state of Michigan desperately needs. Our schools are lacking in this area and I’m glad to see an initiative being pushed forward. TNL foundation consistently shows up for our communities, moving them toward a brighter future.
Financial literacy is such an essential life skill. The Next Level sets students up for success and skills that can last a lifetime.