Life Skills

Some of the most important skills for succeeding in life after high school are not taught in the classroom. During the first year after high school young adults everywhere struggle to answer questions that were not on standardized exams. Should I apply for a credit card? How do I rent an apartment or read a lease? What do I do when I get a bill from a doctor's visit? IMP addresses some of these challenges. The Life Skills committee introduces IMP students to the importance of good credit, the basics of financial literacy, how to ask for help, the magic and danger of compound interest and other life skills.

The centerpiece of the Life Skills program is the Visa Buxx project. The Visa Buxx project provides students who have demonstrated commitment to preparing for graduation during the summer before senior year a small line of credit from IMP. Students can access this credit using a gift card anywhere that accepts VISA. Students who exhibit financial responsibility and participate in Life Skills challenges earn points toward an improved "IMP credit score" and higher spending limits. The student with the highest credit score at graduation receives a laptop for college. For a more complete description of the Visa Buxx project click on Rules of the Game at left.