Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John’s University recently hosted its first-ever Campus Coin Invest Fest, a program aimed at promoting financial literacy among high school students in the Queens South High Schools district. The event, organized by the St. John’s Liberty Partnerships Program, provided students with valuable opportunities to network, learn from successful entrepreneurs, and engage in finance-themed workshops.

"Financial literacy education, particularly when supported by partnerships with the financial sector, has a profound impact on students from low socioeconomic communities," said Tina Souverain-Weekes, Director of St. John’s University College Bound: Liberty Partnerships Program.

The event featured various speakers, including actor and entrepreneur Malik Yoba and musical entrepreneur Damon Dash, who shared their experiences and insights with the students. Dash encouraged students with entrepreneurial aspirations to pursue their passions, emphasizing the power of visualization in achieving goals.

"I’m just trying to expose them early and help them build wealth throughout their lives," said Andrew Borts, Multi-Asset Portfolio Manager at Morgan Stanley, who moderated a workshop on investing and trading.

One of the highlights of the event was a Shark Tank-like business pitch competition, won by a team from Queens Gateway to Health Sciences Secondary School. The team presented an innovative idea for a "cooling hijab," designed to provide enhanced ventilation for women in warmer climates.

"It’s a real connection that brings learning to them and builds ownership in their learning," said economics teacher Robert Trialonas, who mentored the winning team.

Natasha Anderson from Victory Collegiate High School stressed the importance of creating a supportive learning environment to help students connect with their entrepreneurial dreams and visions.

"Sometimes we just need representatives who have been through the process themselves to inspire us," said Jaylon Blair, a student from Brooklyn, NY, urging others to participate in similar events in the future.

The program not only aims to empower students with financial literacy but also provides them with practical opportunities to apply their skills in real-life settings. Tammy Pate, Deputy Chief Officer and Senior Executive Director for Business Development at the New York City Department of Education, highlighted the development of a junior vendor program that will allow student-run companies to partner with real businesses in New York City.

Overall, programs like Campus Coin Invest Fest play a crucial role in empowering underserved communities and equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in life.