Creating an Engaging Financial Literacy Classroom in Beauty Schools
Blog > Creating an Engaging Financial Literacy Classroom in Beauty Schools
In today's beauty education landscape, maintaining student engagement—especially around financial topics—can be challenging. Based on successful implementation stories from beauty schools nationwide, here are proven strategies to transform your financial literacy classroom.
Create a Dedicated Learning Space
The physical environment plays a crucial role in student engagement. When financial literacy sessions are held in a dedicated, quiet space rather than the busy salon floor, students show increased focus and participation. One school reported attendance increasing up to 600% after simply changing the learning environment.
Connect Content to Real-World Applications
Many financial topics can often feel irrelevant for students — particularly those still living at home. "Save for Retirement?! Not on my radar!" Students engage more deeply when they see immediate relevance and impact in their lives. With all things finance, focus on real-world applications:
Distinguishing between needs versus wants (i.e. the student who applied this concept in her own life realized that her $150 monthly lash extension habit was indeed a WANT vs. A NEED. And she had to think about if that want was worth it when skipping it could save her up to $1,800 annually)
Demonstrating different career path options with clear financial implications. Many students say they want to go solo right out of school. Have them research the costs of rent in the area, supplies, and look at pricing to see how much they need to bring in to make ends meet.
Go around the classroom and brainstorm personal money-saving strategies like meal planning, which students can implement immediately (i.e. how much are they spending on DoorDash in a week vs what they could get if they simply meal-prepped!)
Encourage Vulnerability Through Shared Experiences
When educators share their own financial journeys—including mistakes and challenges—it creates a safe space for students to explore sensitive financial topics. This transparency helps break down the taboo around money conversations and encourages students to open up about their own financial situations.
Implement Interactive Learning Activities
Financial literacy doesn't have to be boring. Utilize interactive elements from your curriculum, such as:
Visual tools like 9Grids™ to help visual learners organize information
Small group discussions to encourage peer learning
Role-playing exercises for real-world scenarios like negotiating compensation
Financial education becomes powerful when students can immediately apply what they're learning. By creating an engaging classroom experience, you're not just teaching financial concepts—you're planting seeds that can transform your students' financial futures.