In partnership with the Chicago Bulls, Junior Achievement of Chicago, and Youth Guidance, MassMutual Foundation’s FutureSmart Challenge hosted more than 2,500 middle school students from Chicago schools on February 13th at the United Center. Students participated in an educational seminar hosted by award-winning actor and best-selling author Hill Harper, who taught them the importance of smart money management, why a higher education is essential to their financial success, and the difference between “smart money” and “dumb money.” Benny the Bull and the Elevators and the Incredibulls entertainment team also made special appearances during this exciting interactive event.

Chicago is the fourth stop on the 2018 multi-city tour of MassMutual Foundation’s FutureSmart Challenge, a future leadership program that offers middle school students the opportunity to learn about smart educational and financial choices in a seminar that is followed by Junior Achievement curriculum in their classrooms during the school year.  The goal of the program is to empower and challenge young future leaders to take positive steps toward a successful career and financial security for themselves, their families and their communities. The MassMutual Foundation has committed nearly $2 million to the FutureSmart Challenge in 2018 and will reach 10,000 middle school students this year. Since its inception in 2014, the program has reached over 42,000 students.