About Philadelphia Financial Scholars
We believe access to financial and entrepreneurship education is critical to overcoming systemic economic barriers.
Philadelphia Financial Scholars’ roots date back to 2016, when the FS Foundation, the philanthropic arm of FS Investments, partnered with the University of Pennsylvania to create a financial literacy program for high school students. Building on this proven model, members of the Philadelphia financial services community, as well as several law firms, accounting firms and community organizations, joined to expand the program and reach more teachers, families and students with critical financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs.
Since that time, the program has expanded significantly and now includes curriculum and professional development for daily in-school financial literacy education, after-school entrepreneurship enrichment powered by corporate and university volunteers, a university-hosted summer business accelerator, and evening financial empowerment workshops for adults in our school communities.
Philadelphia Financial Scholars currently partners with 19 high schools and has reached thousands of students and families.
The current landscape
Only 16% of students nationwide are required to take a personal finance class to graduate high school.1
Programs
Financial education for students
Our financial literacy program, delivered by teachers in the classroom, teaches students how to make smart financial decisions, budget and save for the future.
Entrepreneurship incubator for students
Powered by corporate and university volunteers, Philadelphia Financial Scholars’ entrepreneurship-focused after-school program teaches students how to develop a business plan while thinking critically and creatively.
Education for parents + school staff
Our adult financial empowerment program educates parents, school staff, and community members on a variety of key financial concepts.