Campus Coin Invest Fest Equips High Schoolers with Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurial Drive

St. John's University hosted the inaugural Campus Coin Invest Fest, a financial literacy program for over 800 high school students. The event featured workshops, guest speakers, and a Shark Tank-style business pitch competition. Financial institutions partnered with the university and the New York City Department of Education to empower students from underserved communities with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the future.

Campus Coin Invest Fest: Empowering High School Students with Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurial Spirit

On March 28th, St. John's University transformed into a vibrant hub of financial education, welcoming over 800 enthusiastic high school students from the Queens South High Schools district to its inaugural Campus Coin Invest Fest. This groundbreaking event marked a transformative step towards fostering financial literacy and entrepreneurial aspirations among young minds.

A Catalyst for Financial Empowerment

"Financial literacy education holds immense significance for students from underprivileged socioeconomic communities," emphasized Tina Souverain-Weekes, Director of St. John's University College Bound: Liberty Partnerships Program. "By partnering with the financial sector, we bridge the disparity, empowering these students with crucial knowledge for their future well-being."

Industry Mentorship and Practical Workshops

The event ignited vibrant interactions between students and industry experts. Representatives from Bank of America and Carver Federal Savings Bank generously shared their insights and answered eager questions, instilling a foundational understanding of financial principles.

"Introducing financial literacy and instilling sound money habits early on empowers students to make informed decisions throughout their lives," said Arthur Erenburg, Vice President of Eastern Queens Market at Bank of America.

Keynote Inspiration from Entrepreneurial Icons

Malik Yoba, renowned actor and entrepreneur, set the tone for the day, urging students to embrace learning opportunities and visualize their goals as the bedrock for success. Damon Dash, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, captivated the audience with his personal journey, demonstrating the power of resilience and determination in overcoming adversity.

"If you visualize it, it can happen," Dash emphasized, igniting entrepreneurial spirits within the young attendees.

Immersive Investment Workshops

Students delved into the intricacies of investing and trading through an interactive workshop led by Andrew Borts, Multi-Asset Portfolio Manager at Morgan Stanley. Guiding them through the fundamentals of market dynamics and investment strategies, Borts aimed to empower students with the knowledge to build wealth over the long term.

"Our goal is to foster financial acumen early on, equipping them with the tools to make wise investment decisions throughout their lives," Borts stated.

Shark Tank-Style Business Pitch Competition

The afternoon culminated in a Shark Tank-esque business pitch competition, where teams of students presented innovative ideas to a panel of investors. The winning team, hailing from Queens Gateway to Health Sciences Secondary School, showcased their concept for a "cooling hijab," an ingenious modification designed to enhance comfort in warm climates.

"We believe this idea has the potential to empower women worldwide," asserted Nahin Loha, 16, a member of the winning team.

Building Bridges to Entrepreneurship

Educators recognized the critical role of mentorship and support in nurturing entrepreneurial aspirations. Robert Trialonas, mentor and economics teacher at Queens Gateway, lauded the event for fostering authentic connections between students and industry leaders.

"It's through these experiences that students develop a sense of ownership over their learning and gain invaluable insights," Trialonas said.

Empowering Underserved Communities

Tammy Pate, Ed.D., Deputy Chief Officer and Senior Executive Director for Business Development at the New York City Department of Education, emphasized the transformative impact of financial literacy programs on underserved communities.

"Empowering young people with financial knowledge and skills empowers them to navigate the complexities of life and achieve greater economic success," Pate remarked.

A Legacy of Educational Excellence

The Campus Coin Invest Fest embodies the enduring mission of St. John's University, established by the Vincentian community to provide educational opportunities for immigrants and underprivileged populations.

"Our partnership with the Liberty Partners Program aligns perfectly with St. John's commitment to empowering our students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed," said Souverain-Weekes.

Student Reflections and Calls to Action

Jaylon Blair, 16, from Brooklyn, shared his perspective on the value of these educational experiences. "It's easy to shy away from challenges, but we need to embrace the guidance of those who have walked the path before us," Blair stated.

The resounding message from the event was a call to action, encouraging students to seize opportunities, challenge their comfort zones, and pursue their dreams fearlessly. The Campus Coin Invest Fest emerged as a testament to the power of collaboration, mentorship, and financial literacy in fostering a brighter future for all.