Pocket Change
Digital Academy
About Pocket Change
Building Dream Builders
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At Pocket Change BDA, we are building more than just savers. We are building owners.
We are building children who understand that money is not just something to spend, but something to grow. We are raising teens who see themselves not just as employees, but as entrepreneurs, investors, and creators of wealth. We call them Dream Builders, because they are constructing the lives they want, brick by brick, dollar by dollar.
What We Do
We make money relatable and exciting for young minds through three pillars: Educate, Inspire, and Empower.
Educate: We provide engaging tools that simplify financial concepts for children. colorful flashcards and workbooks help them understand saving,, and more, giving them the confidence to discuss money.
Inspire: We encourage children to dream big through interactive workshops and camps, introducing them to entrepreneurship and asset creation. We show them how to envision themselves as future leaders in business and finance.
Empower: We create a supportive community by partnering with parents and schools, equipping them with resources to continue financial conversations. We believe financial independence is a collective effort, fostering an environment where discussing money is encouraged and celebrated.
Meet Ms.Shantel DeShield
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Shantel DeShield founded Pocket Change BDA to bridge the widening gap between classroom education and real world financial reality.
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As a seasoned teacher, Shantel spent years inside the education system. She saw brilliant students master algebra, memorize historical dates, and write compelling essays. She watched them walk across the graduation stage with diplomas in hand, ready to take on the world.
But she also saw what they were missing.
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She saw students graduate with academic knowledge but without the practical skills to manage a budget, build credit, or invest in their futures. She saw young adults step into the world equipped for college, but unequipped for life. They knew how to pass a test, but they didn't know how to make their money work for them.
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This was the gap. And Shantel knew she had to do something about it.
Pocket Change BDA was born from that realization. It is the bridge between the classroom and the real world. It is the missing piece of a child's education.