The Spark

Today’s high school students are inundated with information in classes that they may or may not use when they become adults and are working and raising families.

One thing they’ll have to learn is how to manage their finances. Our parents may have taught us about checking accounts, paying bills, and credit scores, but too many of us learned by trial and error.

With that in mind, Pennsylvania has become the 25th state to require high schools to provide a course in personal financial literacy starting in the 2026-27 school year.

Next Gen Personal Finance is a non-profit organization that has been pushing for all high school students to take a semester of personal finance before graduating and offering lesson plans for teaching financial literacy.

On The Spark Tuesday, Yanely Espinal, Director of Outreach for Next Gen Personal Finance and author of the book Mind Your Money listed a few of the topics that financial literacy will explore,"Earning income, spending money. Saving money. Investing. Understanding credit and managing credit and managing risk. So they sort of put all of the different lessons under one of these big buckets. And that's how students are being taught all the different basic financial lessons about budgeting, banking and how to make a plan around your future goals for money."

Espinal indicated that many high school students are being exposed to finances for the first time,"Taxes, they've never paid taxes before, likely if they're teenagers, insurance, they haven't had to select insurance, whether that's health insurance, car insurance, life insurance, homeowner's insurance, investing a lot of times they just haven't thought about the stock market yet and what opportunities exist for them to build wealth over time. Some of them may have bank accounts, but many of them don't yet have bank accounts, and they haven't yet had to create a budget. What am I going to allocate my money to? And what do I just have to cut out because I just simply don't have enough dollars, right. And many of them have never considered their credit score what it is and why it matters."

Espinal added that "the psychology of money" is an important part of learning about finances because managing finances is different for today's young people,"The behavioral economics in the psychology aspect comes in because so much of money today is internet based. It's digital. And so when we think about the way the internet looks today and how it operates, it's very different from how it was even just ten, 20 years ago. It's as if the internet is so much more invasive in our lives. I mean, companies are constantly just putting a barrage of ads before us, whether that's on social media, whether that's on a web browser. And then what they do is they target us with these ads and then re-target. Even if you just look at an ad for a couple seconds, they know that you hovered over it for a little bit longer than all the other content on that page, and they will re-target you until you make a purchase. And that to me, as a millennial and probably every generation older than us, they we see that as a bit invasive and a little bit too, it's it's too much it's more negative than positive versus these younger generations, Gen Z and younger. This is their normal. They have been experiencing this world of the internet. It is their normal. They don't see it as invasive to be targeted and re-targeted. And so I think we really have to help students understand what they don't know, which is that your personal finances are being influenced constantly by your psychology."

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In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, the term "entrepreneur" has become a common buzzword, particularly with the surge in side hustles and businesses since 2016. Notably, 41.5% of entrepreneurs identify as women, while 58.5% identify as men, reflecting a diverse entrepreneurial landscape. The average age of entrepreneurs stands at 44 years old, showcasing a range of experienced individuals venturing into business.

However, within this entrepreneurial realm, a unique category has emerged — the Momprenuer. Coined around 1994, a Momprenuer is defined as a woman business owner adept at balancing the demanding roles of both a mother and an entrepreneur. This distinctive perspective adds a layer of complexity to the entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the challenges and triumphs of women navigating the dual responsibilities of motherhood and business ownership.

In the spotlight today is Lanisha Holland, a Momprenuer who not only embodies the essence of a skilled strategist and business coach but also champions the cause of empowering fellow women seeking balance in their lives and side businesses. With a career marked by retiring from Corporate America at the age of 33, Holland exemplifies the pursuit of one's passions and the creation of a fulfilling life alongside her son.

What sets Holland apart is her ability to monetize her passions, aligning her career with her interests and, in turn, teaching other moms the art of doing the same. Her story is a testament to the idea that becoming a mom doesn't mean sacrificing one's dreams. Holland encourages women to take chances on themselves, pursue their aspirations, and walk confidently in their purpose.

Retiring from Corporate America at a relatively young age, Holland's journey is an inspiring narrative of resilience, determination, and embracing opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of avoiding a life of regret by daring to take chances and pursue one's dreams, even after becoming a mom. Holland's mission is clear — to empower women to be Mom Bosses who not only manage the challenges of motherhood and entrepreneurship but thrive in both roles. As she continues to live her best life alongside her son, Lanisha Holland stands as a beacon of encouragement for mothers everywhere, proving that it's never too late to be a Mom That Bosses.

Lanisha Holland Website

Happily Naturally Me Skincare Line:

Moms That Boss

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Pennsylvania is the third-largest energy producer in the nation. The state generates the second-most natural gas in the country.

Pennsylvania is also number three nationally in producing energy from fossil fuels.

Where the state lags is energy produced by renewable energies like solar, wind and geothermal. According to an October report from the PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center, Pennsylvania ranked 50th in the country for the rate of growth of renewables, although there has been an increase in the use of renewable energies.

Patrick McDonnell is the President and CEO of the environmental group PennFuture. Previously, he was the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. On The Spark Monday, McDonnell said Pennsylvania has a history of being a national leader in producing energy and should be again with renewables,"Going back to timber when, when we were founded. First oil well, the Drake oil well in the 1800s and then the natural gas discovery. And we've seen emissions going down. The issue is the rate at which they're going down. When you look at how our state is doing compared to how other states are doing, we've gone from in 2010, the fifth in solar development. Today we're the sixth worst in solar development. There's a lot of room for improvement. The technology is there, the economics are there. It really is matter of policy and regulation."

McDonnell indicated policymakers in Pennsylvania can't be satisfied with the energy status quo. He said he jokes that Pennsylvania -- when facing decisions to provide incentives or adopt policies that would expand renewable energies respond with "nah, we're good."

McDonell says there are economic benefits to transitioning to renewables but climate change has to be confronted,"Last month at the Climate Change Advisory Committee at Pennsylvania DEP, their contractor,  presented data that showed where a few years ago, we thought we'd see an 8% increase in temperatures in the state. We're now going to see a 9% increase. What does that mean? It means we go from the 14 days over 90 degrees that we had this past summer to 24, 36, depending on which scenario you look at. We're looking at increasing precipitation and increasing drought because we get heavy rain events followed by nothing. And you're looking at increasing floods across the state and impacts, particularly on coasts like in Philadelphia and in Erie."

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Highlights from this past week!

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In a recent report conducted by Tern Bicycles, the state of diversity within the cycling industry has been brought to the forefront. The findings reveal a stark gender disparity, with men predominantly occupying the majority of roles in the cycling sector. Shockingly, women represent a mere 8% of bike workshop roles and 19% of customer-facing positions, reflecting a significant underrepresentation in these crucial areas of the industry.

Delving deeper into the gender dynamics, the report notes that women fare slightly better in administrative roles, holding 40% of such positions. However, despite this presence, the progression to senior leadership roles remains limited for women within the cycling industry. This raises questions about the systemic barriers that may hinder the upward mobility of women in this field.

Moreover, the report sheds light on the ethnic diversity gap in cycling participation. Among urban ethnic minority groups, a staggering 74% do not currently engage in cycling, despite 55% expressing a desire to start. This underscores a notable disparity between interest and actual participation, pointing to potential barriers that prevent certain communities from fully embracing cycling.

In response to these findings, we turn to Adriana Atencio, the Executive Director of The Common Wheel in Lancaster City. As an expert in the field and a leader in an organization dedicated to promoting biking accessibility, Atencio brings a valuable perspective to the conversation. Her insights could provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by women in the cycling industry, as well as shed light on initiatives aimed at addressing the ethnic diversity gap in cycling participation.

The Tern Bicycles report serves as a call to action for the cycling industry to address these disparities head-on. Achieving gender and ethnic diversity within the sector not only fosters a more inclusive environment but also unlocks untapped potential for growth and innovation. With Adriana Atencio joining the discussion, there is an opportunity to explore practical solutions and strategies that can be implemented to create a more equitable and accessible future for cycling enthusiasts across diverse communities.

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Dr. Kelly's book delves into the multifaceted life of Lydia Hamilton, shedding light on her significant contributions to the cause of abolition. As Stevens's confidante, Hamilton managed the intricate workings of his household, showcasing her organizational prowess and resilience. The book unfolds the narrative of a woman who went beyond societal expectations, crossing racialized social boundaries in her pursuit of justice and equality.

One of the focal points of Dr. Kelley's revelations is Hamilton's instrumental role in the abolitionist movement. Her dedication to the cause went beyond her domestic responsibilities, making her a key player in Stevens's efforts to advance the agenda of abolitionism. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Dr. Kelly paints a vivid picture of Hamilton's unwavering commitment to the fight against slavery.

Furthermore, "An Uncommon Woman" explores Hamilton's journey in acquiring property, a feat that was not only unusual for an African American woman of her time but also challenged societal norms. Her ability to navigate and succeed in the business realm demonstrated her resilience and determination to break free from the constraints imposed by a racially divided society.

In bringing Lydia Hamilton's story to the forefront, Dr. Mark Kelly not only honors the legacy of a remarkable woman but also provides readers with a valuable perspective on the interconnectedness of personal and political spheres during a critical period in history. "An Uncommon Woman: The Life of Lydia Hamilton" stands as a testament to the resilience of individuals who, against all odds, strive to make a lasting impact on society.

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The Lancaster County Community Foundation is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024. Probably best known in the region today for its signature event -- the Extra Give -- that has generated $100 million dollars in donations for local non-profit organizations since 2012, the Foundation has been supporting causes with tens of millions of dollars since 1924. The Foundation has plans for 2024 with a theme of One Year to Change the Next 100. To tell us more on The Spark today are Sam Bressie, President and CEO of the Lancaster County Community Foundation and Tracy Cutler, executive Vice President of the Foundation.

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January is National Poverty in America Awareness Month. Almost 38 million people are living in poverty in the U.S. The poverty line adjusted by the federal government each year was almost 15,000 in household income for a single person in 2023. For a family of four, it was just shy of $30,000. President Lyndon Johnson declared a war on poverty in the 1960s that included programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps; Medicare; Medicaid; Head Start; and expanded Social Security. Those programs kept millions out of poverty but they obviously didn’t eliminate it. So, what factors lead to poverty today and what is being done to improve the lives of those living below the poverty line? On The Spark today, we’re joined by Beck Moore, CEO, Community Action Association of Pennsylvania and Robin Rohrbaugh, President & CEO, Community Progress Council in York County and is on the board of directors for the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania, to talk about poverty in 2024 and how families can move toward self-sufficiency.

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In the heart of Lancaster, a cultural renaissance is underway, thanks to the visionary leadership of Mitch Nugent. A luminary in the world of professional theatre, Nugent has dedicated his life to curating extraordinary experiences that enrich lives through vibrant cultural encounters. His illustrious career, marked by directing, performing, and producing for audiences exceeding 4 million, has taken a new dimension with the establishment of Prima, a non-profit organization co-founded by Mitch and his wife Diana in 2010.

Prima, initially a nomadic troupe, has evolved into a thriving institution with its own home as of 2018. What sets Mitch apart is not just his theatrical prowess but his commitment to transforming the cultural landscape of Lancaster. In a remarkable move, he spearheaded a multi-million dollar capital campaign that redefined the city's cultural narrative, establishing a venue that aspires to be the epitome of excitement and welcome within the region.

One of the striking aspects of Prima's success is the demographics of its audience. With an average attendee age of 45, Prima has managed to attract a crowd that is about 20 years younger than the national average. This achievement speaks volumes about Mitch's forward-thinking approach, which embraces diversity and nurtures emerging talent. Prima has become a beacon of inclusivity, drawing in audiences with its dynamic programming that transcends generational boundaries.

Mitch's strategic vision is further exemplified by Prima's impressive roster of performers. The organization has welcomed esteemed Broadway artists such as Stephen Schwartz, Billy Porter, Shoshana Bean, Adam Pascal, and Alice Ripley. These luminaries, under Mitch's guidance, have graced Lancaster with unforgettable performances, adding to the city's cultural richness.

The excitement doesn't end there. Mitch Nugent is set to captivate audiences once again with Prima's upcoming act, "Off The Yellow Brick Road," premiering in February. This world-premiere theatrical experience invites the audience to step into Dorothy's world as she embarks on a thrilling new adventure. What sets this production apart is its modern pop concert makeover of the timeless Oz tale, featuring contemporary songs from the past few decades. Mitch's ability to blend tradition with innovation is evident in this ambitious project, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Mitch Nugent's transformative impact on Lancaster's cultural scene is undeniable. Through Prima, he has not only provided a home for the arts but has also created a space that transcends age and welcomes diversity. As Mitch joins us on The Spark today to discuss "Off The Yellow Brick Road," it's evident that his commitment to curating extraordinary experiences continues to shape the cultural landscape of Lancaster, leaving an indelible mark on the city's artistic legacy.

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In Adams, Cumberland, Franklin and York Counties – also known as the South Mountain region – there’s been progress in preserving farmland and even non-farmland, but almost half of the streams in the region are impaired and there are more extreme hot and rainy days.

Those are a few of the findings of the first ever “State-of-the-Region Report Card" conducted by the conservation organization – South Mountain Partnership.

The metrics that got a thumbs up for working well were more preserved land, including farmland, driving proximity to trails, and better air quality.

The thumbs down, meaning more work to do, unfortunately was a longer list that included impaired streams and creeks, a decrease in riparian buffers, less forested land, fewer acres of orchards, walking proximity to trails and parks, and more extreme heat and rainy days.

A sideways thumb translated to more work needs to be done or more information is needed. That grade went to wetlands preserved, farmland, historic places, public open spaces, trail and bike routes and driving proximity to water access.

On The Spark Wednesday, Katie Hess, Director of the South Mountain Partnership and Pennsylvania Landscape Conservation said the report card is the first phase of a three-part project,"We have a report to final report that sets out recommendations for taking on the challenges that were revealed in this project. And South Mountain Partnership is taking on a handful of these over the next 5 to 10 years. But there are over 65 recommendations. And so we invite any individual or group who is interested in being part of implementing or exploring the implementation of other recommendations to join us.

Julia Chain, Program Manager of South Mountain Partnership added, "Something that we're trying to weave in through each of these recommendations and how we take action on them is accessibility. So, we understand that creating the most accessible opportunity to interact with nature is really critical. And I think this is just a good opportunity to highlight the work that the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has done here, because they've done a lot of this research to identify where we can grow in terms of accessibility. And they also really support our program. Our conservation landscape is one of eight in Pennsylvania and was selected by DCNR for being such a unique location."

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