At Girls Inc., we believe that every girl should have the opportunity to achieve economic independence and financial well-being. Given the long-standing gender disparity in pay and income, our Girls Inc. Economic Literacy programming develops the life skills of girls, exploring how the economy affects everyone locally and globally. Our program builds skills crucial to being financially savvy and economically independent adults. In honor of Financial Literacy Month, we asked our Brand Ambassadors how Girls Inc. helped with their financial literacy. Here is what they had to say:

Maya, Girls Inc. Participant of Orange County:
In school I never learned how to manage my finances or gain financial stability and independence. It was only through Girls Inc. and its Girls Meet the Workforce initiative, where I learned these skills and was inspired to explore my passion in money matters and business, and was inspired to champion financial literacy for others. I’m able to apply the financial literacy skills that I acquired through Girls Inc. in the various clubs I am a part of, including an entrepreneurship, stock market club, and feminist-motivated club, where I advocate for financial literacy. Girls Inc. not only gave me personal insight into economic literacy but also allowed me to inspire others as well.

Aubrey, Girls Inc. Participant of New York City:
Girls Inc.’s Economic Literacy programming helped me understand the importance of saving, and spending my money strategically. Within the course, we delved into how we can achieve class mobility by earning a bachelor’s degree, and even a master’s degree. Prior to the course, I felt that the financial space was outside of my reach. Now, I understand the correlation between financial literacy and success, and how understanding economics has historically been inaccessible to marginalized groups. We studied things such as balancing a budget, how to responsibly use credit cards, and how to pay for collegiate expenses. What was empowering about this experience was that it enabled me to be ready for the future in ways I hadn’t thought of critically. I am passionate about making spaces where the financial sphere is accessible for all, especially women, BIPOC and women of color, as participating members of society deserve to have a basic understanding of how to further themselves economically.

Jacqueline, Girls Inc. Participant of San Antonio:
Girls Inc. offers various programs and initiatives to promote financial literacy among girls. They have provided me and my cohort with workshops and educational materials that cover topics like budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding credit through the Economic Literacy programming. For example, they have workshops where girls learn how to create a budget for their personal expenses, set financial goals, and make smart financial decisions. They also offer program camps on understanding credit scores and how to manage debt responsibly. These resources and programs have helped me and my peers develop the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the financial world confidently.