CASE STUDY
Investing in students at Westbrook Academy
Gifting investments and financial education to students in South LA has led to amazing results.
Gifting investments and financial education to students in South LA has led to amazing results.
“Since joining the program, I’ve started thinking about my future differently. I realize now that I need to have a plan for my money. Saving and investing are things I can do alongside working, which will help me with long-term goals”
—SARA A, WESTBROOK ACADEMY
81% state that they have influence on the direction of their life (compared to 68% at baseline)
Student confidence in their knowledge of investing increased by 122%.
More students now generate opportunities through creative thinking—up from 66% at baseline.
WHAT TEACHERS SAY
"As a counselor, I see firsthand how financial literacy is a missing piece in our students' education. Many come from families where saving or investing isn’t discussed, and money feels like something to spend, not something that can grow. This program is helping them shift that mindset and see financial planning as an opportunity, not an obstacle."
—Emi, Westbrook Academy
Teacher Testimonial
"To the donor making this program possible, thank you. Your generosity goes beyond providing financial assets; you’re giving our students hope and belief in their own potential. You’re providing an opportunity for these students to envision futures where they are financially literate, responsible, and prepared to make wise choices."
"To the donor making this program possible, thank you. Your generosity goes beyond providing financial assets; you’re giving our students hope and belief in their own potential. You’re providing an opportunity for these students to envision futures where they are financially literate, responsible, and prepared to make wise choices."
—TEACHERS, WESTBROOK ACADEMY
86% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch
50% of students didn’t have a bank account when the program started
96% of students had no investments before Gifted Savings
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, every senior at the high school received a diversified $1,000 portfolio composed of equities, fixed income, and bitcoin.
Students can track their gifted investment portfolios in real time by logging into our custom-built web app, giving them a real-world introduction to investing.
Students tracked their portfolio growth while completing short, engaging activities.
These tasks helped students explore the long-term growth potential of their investments and reflect on how to align their financial decisions with their personal goals.
Students share their financial learnings through video and text as they complete educational activities.
Their reflections provide valuable insight into their understanding, challenges, and progress, helping us improve the program for future students.
