Live From Boston: Laying the Foundation for Financial Literacy in Elementary School (Episode 30)
Welcome to #CreditChat Live From Boston, a special limited series within the #CreditChat Live podcast featuring conversations with educators and advocates from the Jump$tart National Educator Conference — dedicated to exploring the future of financial literacy in America’s classrooms.
This episode features LaKeisha Ivy, a school counselor at the Oklahoma School District in Oklahoma, Mississippi, recorded live in Boston, Massachusetts at the 16th annual National Educator Conference (NEC). A five-year Jump$tart attendee and newly selected ambassador, LaKeisha transitioned from high school counselor to elementary school advocate two years ago — bringing her passion for financial education to some of her youngest and most impressionable students yet.
Christina and Rod sit down with LaKeisha to learn how she makes financial literacy tangible for elementary schoolers through her school’s Chieftain Bucks PBIS system, where students earn currency through positive behavior and spend it at a real in-school store. She also opens up about growing up in a financially underserved community herself and why that experience fuels her mission to make sure her students are better equipped as adults.
LaKeisha closes with a powerful reminder: exposing children to financial education early can break generational cycles of poverty and give students the confidence to build a stronger future — and for her, that makes every day worth showing up.
#CreditChat Live is a podcast series hosted by Experian, featuring expert insights on a variety of financial topics, from credit scores to debt management. Join co-hosts Rod Griffin and Christina Roman for enlightening discussions aimed at empowering you to achieve financial success. Join us in our evolution from the decade-long #CreditChat on X, hosted every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET. Follow @Experian on X, @Experian.us on Instagram, and @ExperianNews on Facebook & TikTok for updates!
You can subscribe to the #CreditChat Live podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Audible, iHeart Radio, Google Play, Deezer, and YouTube.
Watch the full video episode here!
About LaKeisha Ivy
LaKeisha Ivy is a school counselor at the Oklahoma School District in Oklahoma, Mississippi, where she brings financial literacy education to elementary students through engaging, behavior-based learning programs. A five-year Jump$tart Coalition conference attendee and newly appointed ambassador, LaKeisha is passionate about equipping young students with the money skills they need to break generational financial cycles and build stronger futures.