Captain Cash Says:‘Our money voyage was a success!’

Captain Cash is pictured with Mrs. Carter’s third grade class at Jac-Cen-Del.

Ripley County recently completed another successful year of “Captain Cash,” an elementary financial literacy curriculum designed for third grade students.

Beginning in October 2025, the program traveled to Sunman Elementary School, South Ripley Elementary School, Milan Elementary School, Batesville Elementary School, and Jac-Cen-Del Elementary School, reaching a total of 440 students across the five schools.

Through interactive lessons and activities, students explored important financial literacy concepts and money management skills. Program themes included “The more you learn, the more you earn,” “Every payday save some cash away,” “There is an end to what you can spend,” and “For a safer tomorrow, be wise when you borrow.” Children’s books and hands-on activities helped bring these concepts to life while encouraging students to see how reading and financial literacy go hand in hand.

The final program sessions for the school year concluded this week at Jac-Cen-Del Elementary School. Throughout the year, students enjoyed engaging classroom activities while learning valuable financial habits that can benefit them throughout their lives.

Purdue Extension thanks the participating schools and community partners for helping make the program possible and supporting youth financial education in Ripley County.
For more information about the “Captain Cash” program or other Purdue Extension educational opportunities, contact Baylee Dwenger at 812-689-6511. Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution.