Digital Badges Inspire Young Chicago to Build Job Skills, Financial Literacy

“It’s best not to go on a spending spree. It’s not to say you shouldn’t buy things for yourself, but it’s best to shop intelligently. If you really want to buy something, I suggest doing price comparisons.”

That’s how one young Chicagoan summarizes the financial skills he built this summer through LRNG: CHI.

LRNG: CHI is a new digital platform designed to help young people develop skills to prepare for employment, build financial literacy and explore their passions.

Young people earn “digital badges” for completing online learning experiences focused on career readiness and financial literacy. Their work is assessed by a team of educators who provide personalized feedback—so each digital badge is a shareable credential that provides evidence of meaningful learning.

During the summer of 2016, LRNG: CHI was launched and piloted through One Summer Chicago. An initiative of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, One Summer Chicago brings together government institutions, community-based organizations and companies to provide employment and internship opportunities to young Chicagoans age 14 to 24.

LRNG: CHI was made available to One Summer Chicago participants, with a particular emphasis on youth employed through Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services and the Chicago Housing Authority.

As a result, 7,000 young people registered for the digital learning platform to build their financial and workforce skills. Learn more about their experience in the LRNG:CHI wrap-up report.