A vital initiative aimed at equipping young residents of Jersey City with essential money management skills is well underway, as Wiss, a Florham Park-based accounting and business advisory firm, and Team Walker, a leading local nonprofit, join forces for the third year of their youth financial literacy program.
This collaborative effort, which kicked off on July 9, offers a five-week immersive experience designed to bridge the gap between complex financial concepts and practical, real-world application. The program focuses on empowering participants, primarily inner-city youth aged 11 to 13, with the tools needed for sound financial decision-making.
Held at the Team Walker Learning Center in Jersey City, the initiative utilizes a dynamic approach to education. Students participate in twice-weekly workshops featuring interactive games and simulated environments. This gamification strategy allows young learners to apply newly acquired knowledge in a hands-on setting, fostering a deeper understanding of key financial principles.
The comprehensive curriculum covers critical topics essential for long-term financial stability, including personal finance, managing budgets, understanding taxes, navigating personal banking, and building wealth.
According to Jerry Walker, co-founder of Team Walker, the program is making a significant impact by providing students with opportunities they may not otherwise have. By offering these essential skills early, the initiative is setting young people up for long-term success and improving the quality of life within the community.
Paul Peterson, CEO and Managing Partner at Wiss, expressed a strong commitment to making financial knowledge accessible to all students, emphasizing the power of interactive and engaging formats. Wiss aims to leverage its industry expertise to demystify complex financial concepts and provide youth with a hopeful path toward a brighter financial future.
To date, nearly 70 young participants have benefited from the program. This partnership stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives focused on fostering a stronger foundation for the next generation’s well-being. By ensuring early financial education is delivered in an interactive format, this program is contributing significantly to the overall health and wellness of New Jersey’s youth.