Whitley Penn Talks: Preparing Young People for Financial Success
Whitley Penn Talks: Preparing Young People for Financial Success
09/24/2026
As young people leave high school behind and move on to the next chapter of their lives, many have a nagging worry in the back of their minds: Nearly 80% of graduating high school seniors report having little or no confidence in their ability to manage money.
One Dallas Nonprofit is on a mission to change this.
In this episode of WP Cares, Emily Landry sits down with Chris LaTurno, CEO of Junior Achievement of Dallas, to discuss the growing need for financial literacy, career readiness, and workforce development among today’s students. Together, they explore why financial education matters, how real-life exposures help students envision future careers, and why mentorship plays a critical role in developing the next generation of professionals and leaders.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, business leader, or community advocate, this conversation offers valuable insights into how we can help young people build the confidence and skills they need for the future.
Listen to this episode on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Featuring:
Chris LaTurno
CEO of Junior Achievement of Dallas
09/24/2026
As young people leave high school behind and move on to the next chapter of their lives, many have a nagging worry in the back of their minds: Nearly 80% of graduating high school seniors report having little or no confidence in their ability to manage money.
One Dallas Nonprofit is on a mission to change this.
In this episode of WP Cares, Emily Landry sits down with Chris LaTurno, CEO of Junior Achievement of Dallas, to discuss the growing need for financial literacy, career readiness, and workforce development among today’s students. Together, they explore why financial education matters, how real-life exposures help students envision future careers, and why mentorship plays a critical role in developing the next generation of professionals and leaders.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, business leader, or community advocate, this conversation offers valuable insights into how we can help young people build the confidence and skills they need for the future.
Listen to this episode on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Featuring:
Takes from the Talk
How has career readiness changed for today’s students?
Career readiness now requires more than learning about possible jobs. Students benefit from seeing professionals in action, exploring different career paths, and practicing communication, teamwork, budgeting, and other skills that can help them confidently transition from the classroom into the workforce.
How does Junior Achievement of Dallas prepare students for their futures?
Junior Achievement of Dallas combines classroom curriculum, corporate volunteers, and experiential learning. Students learn about economics and personal finance, hear directly from working professionals, and apply their knowledge in simulated communities where they practice budgeting, operating businesses, managing payroll, and making financial decisions.
Why is financial literacy important for students?
Financial literacy helps students understand budgeting, saving, credit, and other decisions that can affect their personal and professional futures. Building these skills early can give students greater confidence as they enter college, trade school, the workforce, or entrepreneurship.
How do business volunteers influence students’ career aspirations?
Volunteers help students connect classroom learning with real career opportunities. By sharing their professional journeys, responsibilities, and skills, volunteers can challenge misconceptions about different industries and help students recognize careers that may align with their own interests and strengths.
What does community impact look like to Junior Achievement of Dallas?
Community impact means helping students move from learning to becoming. Junior Achievement of Dallas aims to prepare students with financial knowledge, career awareness, practical experiences, and soft skills so they can enter their next stage of life feeling confident and prepared.
How can individuals connect with Junior Achievement of Dallas?
Individuals can visit the Junior Achievement of Dallas website to learn about its programs and volunteer opportunities. Professionals can support students by sharing their career experiences in classrooms or volunteering at experiential learning centers designed to bring financial and business concepts to life.