The Problem

Financial Literacy Grades in the US are underperforming… but we all know that!

The Solution: The MORE Program

By Anthony Dattilo — BBFK’s Founder

The MORE Program was created to give students the tools to maximize financial independence and social mobility as adults. The program is inspired by the two most important women in my life, my mother Theresa Modugno and my grandmother Betty Modugno (who passed away 2019) and Dennis Reece, mother’s boyfriend of 18 years and my first money mentor (who passed away in 2005). The MO in MORE is for Modugno and the RE is for Reece.

These three individuals taught me about “free money” (dividends back when banks would actually pay an interest rate for saving money), provided constant motivation, love, support, and encouraged giving back to the community.   

My grams, Dennis, and my mother did a remarkable job imparting their knowledge of saving and investing on me and my two siblings. The MORE Program seeks to add to their legacy by encouraging its student participants to think about what jobs they’re interested in, do the necessary research that will provide the information needed to make sound decisions about their future.

Statistics have proven that kids who are taught the basics of financial literacy during their elementary and high school years grow into adults who can make better financial decisions.  By providing the opportunity to participate in the MORE Program every semester in high school, we will empower the next generation of great individuals to feel confident in making financial decisions and work to break the cycle of poverty.

Our Curriculum

Semester 1 Topics: Fin Lit

  • Investing

  • Entrepreneurship

  • Budgeting

  • Banking

  • Loans/Insurance

  • College Finance

  • Credit and Credit Cards

  • Taxes

  • Home ownership

  • Careers

Semester 2 Topics: Careers

  • Communication Services

  • Industrials

  • Consumer Discretionary

  • Information Technology

  • Materials

  • Energy

  • Real Estate

  • Finance

  • Utilities

  • Healthcare

 
 

How we Make Change

Serving the Los Angeles area, we run a positive, supportive, and hands-on educational experience that is directly based on need.

To create a real-world situation and provide actual incentives for our students, each Building Blocks for Kids student participant receives a bank account with a small stipend. Through a series of incentive-based activities, such as earning good grades, volunteering for organizations that benefit their communities, and utilizing technology, program participants are able to increase their account balances over time.  

In addition to earning along the way, students are introduced to college student mentors and industry professionals who are able to bring value to the classrooms. Our high school students earn opportunities to intern with us; meaning, we constantly change our program based on need, and keep our students in the loop even after the program!