In this NGPF podcast two part series, you will hear from 12 inspiring high schoolers from all over the U.S. who were the national winners of the PAYBACK Challenge essay contest. Each will receive $5,000 towards their educational expenses. Each shared what they learned from paying PAYBACK, how it has impacted their college plans and some described the importance of the personal finance course they have taken. You will discover that this group talents extend beyond putting pen to paper for their essays and includes strong public speaking skills too.

Here's Part 1 where you will hear from 6 of our National Winners. Enjoy!

Part 1: NGPF Payback Challenge

Details:

• 0:00~1:37 Introduction
• 1:37~4:46 Amber Holmes, Erskine Academy (South China, ME)
• 4:46~7:34 Madeline Kerr, St. Mary High School (Paducah, KY)
• 7:34~10:52 Peyton McQuay, Alma High School (Alma, NE)
• 10:52~11:21 A word from NGPF
• 11:21~14:48 Aleah Kert, Cashmere High School (Cashmere, WA)
• 14:48~18:03 Annie Marazita, Worthington Kilbourne High School (Columbus, OH)
• 18:03~21:27 Gabrielle Finberg, St. Ansgar High School (St. Ansgar, IA)
• 21:27~22:30 Conclusion

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Play the game PAYBACK game here. 

About the Authors

Tim Ranzetta

Tim's saving habits started at seven when a neighbor with a broken hip gave him a dog walking job. Her recovery, which took almost a year, resulted in Tim getting to know the bank tellers quite well (and accumulating a savings account balance of over $300!). His recent entrepreneurial adventures have included driving a shredding truck, analyzing executive compensation packages for Fortune 500 companies and helping families make better college financing decisions. After volunteering in 2010 to create and teach a personal finance program at Eastside College Prep in East Palo Alto, Tim saw firsthand the impact of an engaging and activity-based curriculum, which inspired him to start a new non-profit, Next Gen Personal Finance.

Danielle Bautista

Danielle is a native of Southern California and a recent graduate from the University of Maine, where she braved the frigid winters—a feat in and of itself—and earned her Bachelor's degree in International Affairs. She has a passion for working with non-profit organizations and serving populations in underprivileged communities. When Danielle isn't writing NGPF blog posts, spearheading various outreach projects, or managing contests and flash surveys, you can find her doing some sort of outdoor activity, learning a new hobby, or cracking what she thinks are witty puns!