In 2019, North Carolina state legislators enacted a law mandating high school students to complete a course in economics and personal finance. The goal was to equip young adults with essential life skills for managing finances effectively. While implementing such a mandate poses challenges, Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology in Charlotte has emerged as a beacon of success. This public high school has developed an exemplary program that not only meets but exceeds the legislative requirements, thanks largely to the innovative efforts of social studies teacher Rex Mangiaracina.

An Innovative Approach to Financial Education at Berry Academy

In the heart of Charlotte, just three miles west of downtown, lies the Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology. Here, under the guidance of Mr. Rex Mangiaracina, a seasoned educator with two decades of experience, students are gaining invaluable knowledge about economics and personal finance. Returning to teaching in August 2020 after a six-year stint at UNC Charlotte’s education school, Mangiaracina felt compelled to bring his passion back into the classroom. His one-semester course has become a favorite among seniors like Nuha Jones and Devin Anderson, who praise it for its practicality and real-world relevance.

During my visit, I observed students engaged in an interactive game designed to teach them about various financial concepts, from "aspirational buying" to "feedback loops." The curriculum is carefully balanced, with 40% dedicated to economics and 60% to personal finance. Many students begin the course with limited financial knowledge, often feeling anxious. However, by semester's end, they emerge confident and well-prepared to make informed financial decisions.

Berry Academy's student body is predominantly Black or Hispanic, with many facing economic challenges. Yet, regardless of background, the importance of this course remains universal. Under Mangiaracina’s leadership, Berry has partnered with Working in Support of Education (W!SE), a New York-based nonprofit, to offer certification exams. An impressive 86% of students passed the W!SE exam in May, following a 93% pass rate in January. This achievement earned the school a prestigious Blue Ribbon Award, making it the only recipient in North Carolina.

To sustain this successful program, Mangiaracina has secured initial funding through grants and negotiations with W!SE. He continues to seek ongoing support to ensure the program thrives.

From a journalistic perspective, the success of Berry Academy’s financial literacy program highlights the critical need for comprehensive financial education in schools. It underscores the importance of empowering students with the tools they need to navigate complex financial systems. As we move forward, it’s clear that initiatives like these can have a lasting impact on future generations, fostering responsible citizenship and economic independence.