Empowering Young Minds Through Economics with John Foster | Let People Prosper Show Ep. 152

​Can 12-year-olds really grasp supply and demand, entrepreneurship, and the role of government in the economy? 

In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I talk with John Foster, a passionate advocate for teaching economics early and often. As a former leader in Junior Achievement and president of the Middle School MBA, Jon is on a mission to improve economic literacy where it matters most—before bad ideas take root. We discuss the gaps in today’s education system, how teachers can better engage students, and why real-world application is key to shaping informed citizens. 

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(0:00) – Why economics education needs to start early
02:58 – John Foster’s mission and passion for teaching
(5:57) – How Junior Achievement supports early business education
(9:08) – Real-world challenges and teacher empowerment
(11:57) – The tech glitch: a reminder that learning isn’t perfect
(15:14) – Building better economics curricula for students
(21:40) – Filling the gap: teaching what schools often skip
(25:50) – Middle School MBA: A hands-on model for economics
(30:37) – Innovative methods for better engagement
(34:04) – Scalability and accessibility of programs
(38:18) – Why understanding economics matters for all students
(41:49) – How economic literacy helps solve modern challenges
(46:47) – Government’s role in the economy: myth vs. reality
(49:05) – Advocating for a free-market future