Building Wealth, Building Futures: November’s Economic Independence Academy Workshop
- Moses Wyatt
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, the Jegna Klub continued its mission to uplift students, families, and the wider community through their Economic Independence Academy, a hands-on experience dedicated to building the mindset, skills, and habits needed for long-term economic independence.
These workshops are a key part of the J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award, which isn’t just a celebration of character — it is a strategic investment in our families’ financial futures. Award recipients and their adult supporters receive:
A Stockpile “Any Stock” Gift Card ($15 value)
The eBook From Teen to Millionaire: A Young Invenstors Guide by Chris Dunlap of Nu Wall Street ($40 value)
Because at The Jegna Klub, recognition must lead to opportunity — and opportunity must lead to economic independence.
A Community Ready to Learn, Ready to Grow
The moment participants walked into the workshop, the energy was unmistakable. Facilitator Chris Dunlap (Nu Wall Street) described the environment as “conducive to learning,” sharing that “technology was readily available” and families were able to engage fully with the content.
That engagement showed immediately.
During a segment on identifying strong companies to invest in, Serena Funches reflected that the most valuable thing she learned was “how to find companies to invest in” — a foundational skill for anyone beginning their investing journey. And for many, that journey truly began in this room.
Economic Independence Begins With the First Step
The workshop emphasizes more than theory; it focuses on building the habits necessary to change generational outcomes. Chris shared that one of the most powerful moments of the evening was seeing “everyone downloading apps to start investing.”
For Armando Browne, this wasn’t just inspiring — it was life-changing. He walked away feeling “extremely confident” about applying what he learned, calling the guidance on starting with SPYM “invaluable information.”
This is the heart of the Economic Independence Academy: not simply learning about wealth, but taking immediate action to build it.
Empowering Students AND Adults
The workshop intentionally brings together students, parents, guardians, educators, and mentors — because economic independence is strongest when the entire household learns together.
Keyron Kimbrough said his biggest takeaway was simply “how to invest stocks,” rating the workshop “very helpful” and expressing extremely high confidence in applying the content.
Others, like Bryan Ordaz Ramos, appreciated learning “lots of facts on financial literacy and the stock market,” even if they didn’t yet feel fully confident. And that’s okay — the Economic Independence Academy is designed as a monthly opportunity for growth, not a one-time event.
Even those who felt “somewhat helpful” or “neutral” about their confidence still left with key seeds planted. Maurie noted learning about “the stock market, taxes, and interest rates.” Haden realized “what investments can benefit.” Delano shared that the best part was “learning with others and my mom was there too,” a small reminder that empowerment also emerges through collaboration.
Every comment — confident or cautious — reflects progress. Economic empowerment is a journey, and every journey begins with exposure and understanding.
Closing the Wealth Gap Through Education + Action
Chris was asked how strong he felt this workshop was in closing the wealth gap in our community. His response was powerful: “The first step is done.” That first step is not just learning about the stock market, real estate, or financial planning — it’s beginning to participate.
Downloading a brokerage app.
Buying your first share.
Understanding how compound growth works.
Learning how to evaluate a company.
Discussing money openly as a family.
These small steps create generational momentum.
The Economic Independence Academy is built precisely for the purpose of normalizing wealth-building in communities that have historically been denied access, knowledge, and opportunity.
Continuous Growth: Improving Together
Chris also reflected on his own facilitation, saying that next time he plans to “ask what everyone hopes to learn” so the content can be even more aligned with the community’s interests.
This openness to evolve mirrors the spirit of the Economic Independence Academy itself, we are all learning together, growing together, and building a culture where financial knowledge flows from households to classrooms to the entire community.
Community Partnership
The Economic Independence Academy Workshops are powered by partnerships with the Kansas City Kansas Schools Foundation for Excellence, Eastside Innovation, NU Wall Street & Sonic Drive In.
Join Us for the NEXT Economic Independence Academy! If you or your family want to start or continue your journey toward economic independence, financial knowledge, and real wealth-building…
Your next opportunity is coming up:
📅 Wednesday, December 10, 2025
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Grant Elementary School-KCKPS (1510 N 4th Street; Kansas City, KS 66101)
🌐 A SPANISH INTERPRETER WILL BE ONSITE
Please click the RSVP Link fill out and submit to reserve your spot:
Bring your students.
Bring your siblings.
Bring your parents.
Bring anyone ready to break cycles and build a new future.
Because at The Jegna Klub, we believe in more than just empowerment — we believe in economic liberation.
And it starts with us!
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Was a great experience