DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A group of parents are making sure their kids are learning what they need to at school to be ready for the real world.

“South DeKalb County has been overlooked, we’re underserved so we want to make sure that the students are ready to lead,” Valerie Murphy said.

Murphy is the secretary for Southwest DeKalb High School’s PAC, which is the principal’s advisory council. It’s made up of parents and their job is to identify what students need. According to principal Thomas Glanton, his students need more mental health forums and tools to be financially successful right out of high school.

Ayesha Watson, a parent on the PAC board, said they are preparing students for the real world..

“We’re going to prepare them career wise. We’re talking about opening accounts, saving money and getting your credit in order. Just different things you need to know to prepare for the real world,” Watson said.

For an entire week, they’ll bring in professionals to speak to the students and answer any questions students may not be able to ask other adults in their lives.

“I’ve seen other counties be ahead of the game. They were doing this years ago, so I’m glad DeKalb County is jumping on this because our kids need to be equipped,” Watson said.

“If we make a difference, then they can make a difference in the community and that’s what we need,” Linda Bell said.

The financial literacy program kicks off on Jan. 23, and the mental health forums will follow.

In March, the parent group is going to highlight students who already have businesses and nonprofits, so they can get support from the community.

The parents believe it’ll teach other students to have the confidence to jump out there and not be afraid to make a dream their reality.

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