Center For Financial Empowerment

You can run, you can walk, you can even roll, for #FinLit! You just can’t skip this year. Join us for our 4th Annual Virtual Fun Run for Youth Financial Literacy September 27-29. You can participate in the #CFEFunRun solo, as a team, or join an established group in your area. Everyone who registers gets an event t-shirt and medal. You’ll be helping us provide financial education programs like #MadCityMoney to Southern California and Southern Nevada high school students. Use the link to register at the Early Bird rate before September 9. https://lnkd.in/gTRD8Yfs

A new school year means it’s time to volunteer for upcoming #MadCityMoney events at Southern Nevada high schools. We need adults to take on the roles of salespeople and bankers in financial literacy simulations that help teens get a better grasp of personal finance. It’s an opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact. Use the link and sign up today! https://ow.ly/RXoJ50T5bVr

Like many of us, Francisco Renoj felt isolated and depressed during the pandemic lockdowns. Rather than give in to the gloom, he got involved with the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA Youth and Government Program. It was an opportunity to challenge himself and focus on the future. In concert with an exercise routine, the program helped him gain confidence and motivated him to move forward. His mental health began to recover, his grades improved, and he started making new friends. High school is now behind him. With the support of a proud family, and the YMCA, he’s pursuing a college education. The CFE is pleased to award Francisco a $1,000 scholarship. Congratulations!

It’s the start of a new school year and the Center for Financial Empowerment will need your help to host #MadCityMoney events throughout Southern California. We need adult volunteers to help us bring financial literacy simulations to underserved high school students in the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley region. Adults play the roles of salespeople, bankers and more. You will not only have a great time, but you’ll also make a positive impact. Use the link and sign up today! https://ow.ly/Vyyw50SZoMV

Did you know that today is #NationalFinancialAwarenessDay? It might not be on everyone's radar, but it's a powerful reminder that smart financial decisions can significantly impact your life! At the CFE, we're passionate about delivering financial literacy to underserved high school students in Southern California and Southern Nevada. But let's face it – savvy money skills are crucial at any age, anywhere. Use the link to learn more about the significance of today and how you can make smarter money moves. https://ow.ly/BM3U50SV2ni

The CFE recently held a #MadCityMoney event at the Duarte Teen Center in the City of Duarte. The teenagers who participated were part of DART (Duarte Area Resource Team) a program that helps young men and women explore public service careers. Some 30 teens were challenged to provide for the needs of a household while keeping a budget balanced. Our sincere thanks to our team of volunteers from the community and Rize Credit Union for playing the roles of salespeople in imaginary Mad City. It’s fun, and as these comments attest, impactful! Today I learned that real life stuff actually costs a lot more than I thought, especially with inflation. – Roman This was a real eye-opener about how to budget my money and how to buy my needs before my wants. – Jessy The best thing I learned today is that I can open my own Rize Credit Union account as a teen and it’s free. - Emma Research continues to show that students who gain access to financial education have less debt and a higher quality of life as adults than those who don’t. You can get involved and help bring these important lessons to high school students in Southern California and Southern Nevada. Use the link to learn how. https://lnkd.in/g5y36D-H

Richard Castillo has childhood memories of his family struggling to make ends meet. They got by with few financial resources. The impact inspired him to make the most of every chance to fulfill his dreams of providing a better future for his family. He’s already taken advantage of opportunities to learn and excel. Richard was in his high school marching band, served an internship at the Getty Museum, OLASTEO National Excursion, a Law & Public Service Magnet program, and the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA Youth and Government program. Through these experiences, Richard has discovered a calling to become an attorney and advocate for the rights of minorities and underserved communities. He will attend the University of Southern California starting in the fall and the CFE is pleased to award him a $1,000 scholarship toward his education expenses. Congratulations Richard!

After decades of advocacy, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a groundbreaking bill into California law. This landmark legislation ensures that by 2027, ALL California public high school students will have access to a stand-alone personal finance course. Even more exciting, it will become a graduation requirement by 2031. “Saving for the future, making investments, and spending wisely are lifelong skills that young adults need to learn before they start their careers, not after,” said Governor Newsom. We couldn’t agree more. This is a game changer for California and the goals of financial literacy. Use the link to learn more about AB 2927 and how it will shape the next generation of financially savvy Californians. https://ow.ly/3nOl50SPCmb

Encouragement can be inspiring, but there are times when it’s a disparaging remark that motivates us. When an acquaintance questioned Amy Mendoza’s ability to succeed “as a brown girl from a brown family,” Amy, a first generation Latina, rightfully saw red. She held tight to her dreams and a powerful drive to succeed. She refused to let those words inflict self-doubt. “I'm proud of who I am and how far I’ve come. I'm going to accomplish my dreams, not only for me, but for my parents. They've sacrificed to see me succeed,” Amy says. Her participation with the YWCA San Gabriel Valley encouraged her to pursue college and a career in nursing. The CFE is pleased to award Amy a $1,000 scholarship! Congratulations!

Ethan Mejia gives credit to his parents for giving him an insatiable desire to learn and improve himself. He’s a recent graduate of Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy in Los Alamitos, CA. At Sunburst he learned to push himself, to aim for excellence while balancing his pursuits with humility, self-discipline and a healthy lifestyle. Inspired by his aunt’s sense of achievement in her medical career, Ethan plans to serve in the military and become a medical professional. The CFE has awarded this remarkable young man a $1,000 college scholarship. Congratulations, Ethan!