High school sophomores probably know little about the world of finance. But before long, they will enter the real world and find themselves inundated with offers to get credit cards and invest in the stock market. A program slated for next week at the Meadowbrook Mall should be a big help in getting them acquainted with the benefits and pitfalls of modern-day finances.

As many as 120 sophomores from six high schools in Harrison County will be on hand to play "Mallopoly," a program that teaches financial literacy. The day-long seminar is sponsored by the Harrison County Board of Education and the state auditor's office.

The students will hear from several experts, including representatives from the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Reserve and the National Council of Economic Educators. Justin Southern of the auditor's office said it's a good thing for the students to learn early about how the financial world works.

"They more they know, the better equipped they will be to make informed financial decisions," he said.

The students will learn about credit card scams, pyramid schemes and on-line market swindles. And they'll get an idea how the national economy works and the impact it has on personal finances.

Such talk of the stock market and the economy sounds like it might be deadly dull, but we think the Mallopoly program will make it all interesting and enlightening.

The auditor's office, the board of education and the Meadowbrook Mall should be commended for taking the time to teach students about the ins and outs of the world of finance. It should be a solid investment for the future.

Today's editorial reflects the opinion of the Exponent editorial board, which is comprised of James G. Logue, Kevin S. Courtney, Patrick M. Martin, Matt Harvey and J. Cecil Jarvis.