Financial Backpack

Mission
Provide financial literacy workshops to New York City students.

Exciting Volunteer Opportunity to Work with High School Students
The season is about to change and with it comes an exciting volunteer opportunity to work with high school students through the FWA/HSBC Financial Backpack program’s Spring financial literacy workshops. We encourage you to check out the details and agenda of the workshops plus a sign-up sheet to volunteer.  

Our students are counting on you. We all look forward to seeing you there!

Program History
HSBC five-year grant of $900,000 for program received in 2007.  Workshops with FWA-created curricula and FWA and HSBC volunteers offered for first time in Fall 2008.

View Curriculum

Workshops tailored to specific community partners with whom we work.  Curriculum taught by FWA and HSBC volunteers, in teams with professional teachers and college students. Training, which takes place in one evening session, is required before teaching.  Workshops generally last from 4-6 hours. Volunteer opportunities available for both weekends and during the day.  We taught over 400 students in FY 08-09, and expect to teach over 500 in FY 09-10.

Leadership Meeting Schedule (Committee)
The Advisory Committee meets once a month.   The Committee solicits volunteers to teach the programs via the FWA website, blast e-mails, and the President’s Blog.

Workshop Schedule
Twice a year, in the fall and spring, we hold a two-session workshop on the weekends in conjunction with the NYC Department of Education’s Job Readiness Program for Virtual Enterprise students.  We also hold smaller events throughout the year with other education groups.

Success Story
I remember the first time I participated in the financial backpack as it was one of the reasons I joined FWA. I am passionate about volunteer work and wanted a volunteer opportunity that will also allow me to influence the next generation of adults. Volunteering for the financial backpack has been one of my most rewarding experiences as a FWA member. The ability to educate, positively influence, and engage in stimulating conversations with young adults is not only amazing but a rewarding feeling. I recall attending one session where a female student did not know that women could also work in the finance sector.  She was surprised to see women teaching the course.  It was shocking to hear at first but to know that we, as an organization, can inspire and educate other young people to explore their futures and the opportunities that are available to them is absolutely priceless.

I truly enjoy volunteering for the financial backpack. Every volunteer session has been a wonderful experience which makes me eager to sign up for the next volunteer opportunity. I think FWA has done a magnificent job with supplying the materials, choosing the location, and having a great support team to continue this great mission for the future leaders of our community and country.

- Michele Wong, FWA Member

Highlights from a Workshop conducted at the New York Public Library

Want more information about the program?
Contact Lindsay Starr lindsaystarr1@yahoo.com