When High School Seniors Take Over
ROTARIAN IMPACTS HIGH SCHOOL WITH FINANCIAL LITERACY CLASS
By Wes Waddle - RC of Sun City
 
The year 2016 has been an amazing year of change in the Unites States.  One small change occurred when one Rotarian, Wes Waddle, authored a new book entitled, “Overqualified/Underqualified; “What Will Your Education (and Life Experience) be Worth to You?”.  (see www.overqualified.club
 
One chapter in that book started a new paradigm of education in Arizona.  The chapter title is entitled, “When High School Seniors Take Over”. 
 
This chapter teaches high school seniors about different careers that they can start in high school and keep throughout their entire life.  Some careers permitted to eighteen-year-old adults include real estate agents, mortgage officers, insurance agents, and even politicians.  Many of our Rotarians are in these occupations.
 
In 2016, a new corporation was started to train high school seniors about the financial literacy issues involved in each of these careers.  The corporation now has its fully authorized IRS 501(c)3 status.  In 2017, we are looking to team up with different Rotary Clubs through Arizona (and across the United States) in order to “shift the paradigm” of education in America. 
 
The pilot program was launched at the Imagine Prep High School in Surprise, Arizona.  Students were surprised at the “real life” knowledge that they were able to acquire.  They actually learned Math, English, Social Studies, Geography, History, and Law; all while completing the ninety (90) hours which are required by the Arizona Department of Real Estate on their way to gaining the classification of real estate licensee.
 
Your Rotary Club plus “Qualified, Inc.” will make an amazing change in your community.   One motto of club is “Get a Vision---FOCUS—Succeed”.  If we can help the student to get a “vision” for their future; their life will change forever.
 
Think about adopting a local high school or the high school from which you graduated and make a change in your hometown.  
Rotarian Wes Waddle has spoken to many people who have been turned down for different positions because they were classified as “Underqualified” or “Overqualified”.  Let’s help the next generation of high school students to find lasting careers and knowledge that they can use throughout their entire life.  If your Rotary Club (or your District) would like to make a lasting impact on the future of your local community please contact Wes Waddle at (480) 421-8753 or email him at wes@weswaddle.com.