Big Bank Theory

The Manatee Chamber will present the Big Bank Theory program at all public high schools starting in November – and we need YOU to volunteer!

The Chamber’s Big Bank Theory program is designed to help build the financial literacy skills of high school students in Manatee County. Students are engaged in a hands-on, real-life financial simulation that introduces them to the realities of being a financially responsible adult.  It’s sort of like playing the “Game of Life” during which the students have to balance a monthly budget by making smart decisions about their finances and expenses.

As a volunteer, you will help students as they visit various stations representing typical expenses young adults need to navigate – like housing, transportation, food, clothing, and more. Students will make spending decisions while working to stay within their monthly budget.

Volunteering is easy. In-person training is available (see dates below) or you can view an online training video from last year. Learn more about the program, its goals, how the budget stations work, and what you as a volunteer will do during your shift. We need more than 300 volunteers… we truly could not put this program on without you! Click one of the three dates below to register for a volunteer training session:

• Monday, November 18 | Manatee Chamber’s Lakewood Ranch Office | 3:00 – 4:00 PM
• Monday, January 6 | Manatee Chamber’s Bradenton Office | 3:30 – 4:30 PM

Ready to volunteer? You don’t need to wait until after the training! Click the appropriate school/date below then choose the time frame for which you’re available. Two shifts are available for most days of the Big Bank Theory: a morning shift and an early afternoon shift. You can also sign up for an all-day shift (yay!) with lunch provided by our generous sponsors. There’s no need to limit yourself to one day, either. Register for as many schools and shifts as you want!

• Palmetto High School – November 21 & 22, 2024 – volunteer slots for this school are filled.
• Manatee High School – December 2 & 3, 2024 – volunteer slots for this school are filled.
• Lakewood Ranch High School – December 9 & 10, 2024 – volunteer slots for this school are filled.
• Bayshore High School – December 12 & 13, 2024
• Braden River High School – January 9 & 10, 2025
• Team Success – January 17, 2025
• Manatee School for the Arts – January 21, 2025
• Southeast High School – January 23 & 24, 2025
• Parrish Community High School – January 27 & 28, 2025

Click here to hear from a previous Big Bank Theory student about his thoughts on the program. We look forward to another great year teaching financial literacy to high school seniors!

Presenting Sponsor: