Applications for schools interested in participating are due by May 31st
PHILADELPHIA, PA – April 11, 2018 – The FS Foundation, the philanthropic arm of FS Investments, today announced the opening of the application period for its 2018 FS Financial Scholars program, a financial literacy initiative created in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania. The FS Foundation will fund additional programming in five Philadelphia high schools this year, taking the total to 11, and will identify those new schools through the application process.
FS Financial Scholars is a program designed to provide high school students with the tools needed to generate greater wealth and achieve financial empowerment. The program utilizes a combination of in-class financial literacy curriculum and after-school entrepreneurship programming for students, along with evening and weekend-based financial literacy education for parents. The program is supported by Bridges to Wealth, the broader community-based financial literacy efforts of Dr. Keith Weigelt, Marks-Darivoff Professor of Management at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Jill Bazelon, an instructor in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania.
“We believe deeply our education system needs to do more to prepare our students for the economic realities of life after school,” said Mike Gerber, Executive Vice President of FS Investments and President of the FS Foundation. “We are proud to collaborate with Penn in our efforts, and are pleased we’re expanding to reach hundreds of new students this year with meaningful financial education.”
The program was piloted at Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School starting in 2016 and last year expanded to five new schools including Bodine High School for International Affairs, Central High School, Freire Charter School, as well as Murrell Dobbins Technical High School and South Philadelphia High School, both part of Mayor Jim Kenney’s Community Schools Initiative.
Susan Gobreski, Community Schools Director, City of Philadelphia added, “We are so grateful for FS Investments’ contributions to the Community School efforts at Dobbins. This partnership truly benefits students and their families by expanding access to financial skills and economic stability. This complements the job training and workforce skills training offered by Community School partners, and builds on the School District’s efforts to prepare students for successful and meaningful careers.”
Application Process
The 2018 FS Financial Scholars application period begins today, April 11, 2018, and runs until May 31, 2018. Applicants must be affiliates of interested public, charter or private high schools located in Philadelphia County. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis by representatives of the FS Foundation and Bridges to Wealth, who will notify schools regarding their acceptance into the program in April. The application can be accessed here.
About FS Investments:
FS Investments is a leading asset manager dedicated to helping individuals, financial professionals and institutions design better portfolios. The firm provides access to alternative sources of income and growth, and focuses on setting industry standards for investor protection, education and transparency.
FS Investments is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA with offices in New York, NY, Orlando, FL and Washington, DC. Visit www.fsinvestments.com to learn more.
About FS Foundation:
The FS Foundation is the philanthropic arm of FS Investments. It aims to positively impact communities through championing civic leadership, volunteerism and philanthropy at all levels of the firm. Visit www.fsinvestments.com/about/fs-foundation to learn more.
About Bridges to Wealth:
Bridges to Wealth is a cross-generational program empowering both youth and adults with vital entrepreneurial and life skills. The curriculum and courses aim to help participants learn to generate wealth through savings and investing. Participants develop leadership and business skills that support them whether they strive to be entrepreneurs or simply want to create more professional opportunities for themselves. In addition to FS Financial Scholars, Bridges to Wealth is currently engaged in several community-led efforts including, senior community centers, faith-based institutions and community health centers. Visit www.bridgestowealth.org to learn more.
Contact Information:
FS Investments Media Team
media@fsinvestments.com
215-495-1174