SIFMA Foundation

Last Friday, we had the incredible opportunity to take the Garrison Forest School's Real World Finance investment club to the NYSE! ??????? Through The Stock Market Game, provided in Maryland by our partners at the Maryland Council on Economic Education, these students are gaining real-world financial literacy and investment skills that will set them up for lifelong success. With hands-on experience and a passion for finance, they are well on their way to becoming the next leaders in the industry. A huge thank you to the educators, mentors, and industry leaders who are inspiring these young women to shape the future of finance! ?? #SIFMAFoundation #TheStockMarketGame #WomenInFinance #FinancialEducation #InvestInYourFuture #WomensHistoryMonth

Make an impact— register to be an InvestWrite judge by March 5th! Financial professionals, this is your chance to inspire the next generation of investors! The SIFMA Foundation’s InvestWrite competition is shaping young minds by challenging students to apply critical thinking and investing skills in real-world scenarios. We need your expertise to evaluate student essays and provide valuable insights. It’s a quick, flexible, and rewarding way to give back and support financial education. Plus, you’ll be helping students build skills that last a lifetime! ?? Sign up to be a judge by March 5th! ?? Register today: https://bit.ly/4i5mMSC Let’s empower the next generation together!?? #InvestWrite #FinancialEducation #VolunteerOpportunity #FinanceProfessionals #SIFMAFoundation

?? Congratulations to Jessica Kraker and Matthew Herman from the High School of Art and Design on receiving The Stock Market Game award at the NYC Public Schools Career & Technical Education (CTE) Awards! ?? Jessica and Matthew are passionate educators who have built an incredible SMG community, engaging students in financial literacy through hands-on investing. Jessica, an SMG alum herself, and Matthew, a dedicated SMG advocate, have introduced hundreds of students to the world of investing—fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and a love for financial education. We’re proud to celebrate their commitment to empowering students with essential financial skills. Keep inspiring the next generation of investors! ?? NYC Department of Education #StockMarketGame #CTEAwards #FinancialLiteracy #InvestLearnGrow #SIFMAFoundation

As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize the trailblazers who broke barriers in finance, investing, and banking—paving the way for a more inclusive financial industry. Their contributions continue to inspire future generations to build wealth, invest wisely, and lead in the financial world. Here are three Black pioneers who made a lasting impact: ??Maggie Lena Walker (1864–1934) – The first Black woman to charter and serve as president of a bank in the U.S., Walker founded the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, empowering Black communities with financial independence and economic opportunity. ??Reginald F. Lewis (1942–1993) – A visionary businessman, Lewis led the first Black-owned billion-dollar company when he acquired TLC Beatrice International Holdings, demonstrating the power of strategic investing and corporate leadership. ??Joseph Searles III (1942–2017) – In 1970, Searles made history as the first Black member and floor trader of the New York Stock Exchange, breaking barriers on Wall Street and opening doors for more diverse participation in the financial markets. At the SIFMA Foundation, we are committed to empowering all students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the financial markets. By learning from these pioneers, today’s young investors can build their own legacies in finance. Photo credits: Maggie Lena Walker- National Park Service, Reginald F. Lewis- PBS, Joseph Searles III- NYSE #BlackHistoryMonth #FinancePioneers #BreakingBarriers #WallStreetHistory

?? Inspiring the Next Generation of Financial Leaders! ?? We had the incredible opportunity to facilitate a field trip to BNY for a group of seniors from Southwest Miami High School’s DECA Inc. program! These students engaged in dynamic roundtable discussions with industry professionals, gaining valuable insights into careers in finance. They also had an exclusive tour of BNY’s trading floor, experiencing firsthand the fast-paced world of financial services. A huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers for sharing their expertise and to BNY for hosting this impactful experience! ?? Through Invest It Forward, we continue to bridge the gap between classrooms and careers, empowering the next generation with the knowledge and connections to thrive in the financial industry. ?? Want to get involved? Learn more about how you can support financial education and career exploration opportunities: https://bit.ly/3eLA0Ec Miami-Dade County Public Schools Barbara Collins #InvestItForward #FinancialEducation #CareerExploration #SIFMAFoundation

This Valentine’s Day, we’re spreading the love… for financial education! ???? At the SIFMA Foundation, we’re passionate about empowering students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the financial world. Through The Stock Market Game, InvestWrite, and Invest It Forward, we help young learners develop critical thinking, teamwork, and smart money habits that last a lifetime. Whether they’re building a winning portfolio, writing about investment strategies, or learning from industry professionals, students are discovering the power of smart money management. @ ?? Tag someone who inspires you to make smart money moves or who would love to support financial education! Let’s keep spreading the love for financial education together! #FinancialEducation #StockMarketGame #InvestWrite #InvestItForward #FutureInvestors #ValentinesDay #LoveFinancialEducation

?? Gen Z is Flocking to Personal Finance Courses—Here’s Why Students are racing to enroll in personal finance courses, and it’s no surprise why. With student debt soaring past $2.1 trillion and financial stress impacting mental health, young adults are recognizing the need for real-world money skills. Yet, the financial education gaps persist. A SIFMA Foundation survey found that over 75% of parents don’t feel confident teaching their kids about investing. Many even said they’d enroll their child in a different school if better financial literacy programs were offered. The takeaway? Early financial education matters. The SIFMA Foundation is here to help with engaging resources, including ? The Stock Market Game for hands-on learning ? Educator support & professional development ? Student-friendly activities & market insights It’s never too early—or too late—to build financial confidence! Let’s equip the next generation with the knowledge they need to succeed. https://bit.ly/4gm4Im3 #FinancialEducation #GenZMoney #StockMarketGame #SIFMAFoundation #MoneyMatters

?? Exciting News! ?? SIFMA and the SIFMA Foundation have officially launched the 2025 Capitol Hill Challenge?, a national competition underwritten by the Charles Schwab Foundation that empowers students with financial education! This year, middle and high school students from public schools across the U.S. will take part in this educational journey, diving into the world of saving, investing, and understanding the capital markets. It's more than just a competition—it’s a unique opportunity for students to engage with their local Members of Congress and learn about the importance of civic engagement and active citizenship. Started over 20 years ago, the Capitol Hill Challenge has helped thousands of students build the foundation for a financially secure future. We’re proud that this program continues to serve Title I schools, giving underserved students the tools to thrive. Let’s continue to invest in the future—one student at a time! ???? Learn more: https://bit.ly/40zxp9c #CapitolHillChallenge #FinancialLiteracy #InvestInYouth #SIFMAFoundation #CharlesSchwab #Schwab4Good #FinancialEducation #EmpowerTheFuture

We're closing out #FinancialWellnessMonth with an investing tip from Christopher Sorenson, 3rd place national #InvestWrite winner, on the importance of aligning your investment portfolio with your personal money goals. #FinancialEducation #FinancialEmpowerment NEISD

Our students are always looking toward the future when building their portfolios ?? This Financial Wellness Month, you may want to take some advice from our 2nd Place National #InvestWrite winner, Gavin Martin from Bethlehem Central Senior High School, NY. #FinancialWellnessMonth #FinancialEmpowerment Bethlehem Central School District