Building Wealth, Building Futures: December’s Economic Independence Academy Workshop

By Levi Lee

On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Jegna Klub welcomed students and families to another powerful installment of its Economic Independence Academy (EIA) Workshops—a hands-on, community-centered learning experience designed to equip young people and the adults who support them with real-world tools for building long-term wealth.

As a core component of the J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award, the Economic Independence Academy is more than a workshop series—it is a launchpad for economic empowerment. Award recipients, their families and nominating adults receive tangible resources that encourage immediate action. These tools reinforce a central belief of the Jegna Klub: recognition must lead to opportunity, and opportunity must lead to economic independence.

Real Estate 101: Understanding Wealth Through Ownership

The evening opened with Real Estate 101, led by Erik Murray of Eastside Innovation, who introduced families to foundational concepts in real estate development and homeownership—critical pathways for closing generational wealth gaps.

Participants were especially engaged during discussions on opportunity zones, land value, and how strategic real estate investment can revitalize communities while creating long-term economic stability.

Even presenter Chris Dunlap, who followed with Stock Market 101, cited Murray’s session as impactful, sharing that the most valuable insight from the evening was learning about “opportunity zones” and how they can be leveraged for tax efficiency and wealth-building.

For attendees like Keyron Kimbrough, the real estate discussion stood out as eye-opening. While he rated the workshop as “very helpful,” he shared that he felt “somewhat confident” applying the information—a reminder that exposure is the first step in any financial journey.

Others were already thinking ahead. Payton Towers left inspired to learn more about “how to buy properties,” while JaMaurie reflected on how “homeownership can be a tool for closing generational wealth gaps,” capturing the deeper purpose of the Academy.

Stock Market 101: Turning Knowledge Into Action

The second half of the workshop featured Stock Market 101 with Chris Dunlap of Nu Wall Street, who broke down investing in a way that was accessible for both students and adults. The focus was not on speculation, but on long-term thinking, discipline, and ownership.

Participants learned how the stock market works, why investing early matters, and how even small steps—like understanding stocks or opening custodial accounts—can compound into meaningful wealth over time.

For Delano, the session unlocked new possibilities. He shared that the most valuable lesson was “learning what stocks are and how to make money in different ways,” while Payton appreciated gaining clarity on “how to invest in stocks.”

Terrance Henderson, who rated both the helpfulness and confidence level as “extremely confident,” found particular value in how presenters taught students about “real estate and the different types and values of land,” reinforcing the importance of combining multiple wealth-building strategies.

Confidence Grows at Different Speeds—and That’s the Point

Not every participant left feeling fully confident—and that honesty is welcomed at the Economic Independence Academy.

Some attendees, like JaMaurie, rated the workshop as “neutral” in terms of immediate confidence but still identified powerful takeaways. Others requested future sessions on budgeting, savings, and income literacy, including realistic breakdowns of rent, utilities, food, and daily living expenses.

As one participant suggested, understanding “what it will take to survive adulthood” is just as critical as learning how to invest.

This feedback reflects the Academy’s strength: it meets families where they are, planting seeds that grow over time through continued exposure, practice, and support.

A Community Approach to Closing the Wealth Gap

What made the December workshop especially impactful was its intergenerational design. Students learned alongside parents, guardians, and mentors—normalizing conversations about money, ownership, and opportunity within the household.

By combining real estate education, stock market fundamentals, and open dialogue, the Economic Independence Academy continues to model how communities can close the wealth gap through education + action.

Each workshop builds on the last, reinforcing the idea that economic independence is not a moment—it’s a movement.

The journey continues, and you’re invited. The next Economic Independence Academy Workshop will take place on:

📅 Wednesday, January 14, 2026

⏰ 5:00 – 7:30 PM

📍 Grant Elementary School

This workshop is open to any KCKPS student and their family.

✔️ Free to attend

✔️ Spanish interpreter available

⚠️ Attendance limited to 50 participants

Families will explore:

* Investing basics

* Real estate and homeownership

* Financial planning and economic empowerment

👉 RSVP is required to reserve your spot.

Powered by the Jegna Klub, Eastside Innovation, Nu Wall Street, the Kansas City Kansas Schools Foundation for Excellence, Wilson’s Pizza & Grill, 103.7 DaBeat, The Ryan Show FM and New Solutions Network the Economic Independence Academy exists to ensure that every family has access to the knowledge needed to build a stronger financial future.

Because at the Jegna Klub, we don’t just celebrate potential—we invest in it. And that investment starts with economic independence.

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