YIS Access Initiative

Young Investors Society Access Initiative

Understanding Under-Resourced Communities:

A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), using 2008 census data, found that household income plays a significant role in shaping youth outcomes. Students from middle- and high-income families are more likely to graduate from a four-year college, while youth from low-income families often face additional challenges that can impact education and career pathways.

Underserved Youth Statistics:

Research highlights the importance of expanding access to education and financial literacy for today’s youth:

• 40% of children in the U.S. grow up in low-income families, living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (ASPE).

• While many succeed, students from low-income families face additional challenges, with fewer earning high school diplomas (ASPE).

• Only 1 in 10 youth from low-income families currently graduate from a four-year college (ASPE).

• Financial literacy is a key gap, with two-thirds of high school students unable to pass a basic financial literacy test (JumpStart).

Challenges Facing Underserved Youth

Many underserved youth encounter obstacles that can impact their future success, such as:

• Difficulty completing high school

• Exposure to unsafe environments

• Early parenthood

• Pressure to experiment with alcohol or drugs

• Limited access to positive opportunities before adulthood

YIS Access Initiative Goals:

The YIS Access initiative provides access to FREE, quality, financial literacy education, mentorship, STEM career education, and scholarships to a variety of talented students in under-resourced communities. We would like to provide financial literacy education to under-resourced communities that otherwise would not have access to finance programs due to demographics, income levels and other socio-economic disparities among communities, increase minorities and women in finance and STEM careers and empower youth to take an active role in their financial future.

Objectives: 

• Expand Access: Bring high-quality financial literacy programs to under-resourced communities.

• Career Exploration: Introduce students to diverse career pathways in financial markets and STEM through mentorship and hands-on learning.

• Equity & Inclusion: Empower students of all genders, races, and socio-economic backgrounds to see themselves in finance and STEM opportunities.

• Skill Development: Equip students with real-world skills—observation, analysis, modeling, inquiry, and problem-solving—that they can apply directly to finance and beyond.

Curriculum:

Our curriculum was designed by top investors and professors from world-class institutions like Harvard, Wharton, UCLA, BYU, Pepperdine, and leading firms like Fidelity.

You’ll explore big ideas that matter—accounting, economics, psychology, business strategy, entrepreneurship, and more—all through an interactive online experience that makes learning finance fun, engaging, and practical.

Courses, Lessons and Videos:

We offer over 40 engaging 45-min lesson plans to help students learn the basics of investing, personal finance, economics, and accounting.  Our lessons are comprised of online interactive activities, engaging presentations and curriculum support videos along with peer-led activities focused on financial literacy lessons that emphasize the importance of saving and investing for the future.  You can see a sample curriculum support video here: https://youtu.be/xyD03G4oLzw

The Money Skillz Bootcamp equips our Access students with essential personal finance skills, covering earning, saving, budgeting, banking, investing, and career exploration. These lessons build a strong foundation for future YIS programs.

Designed as a self-paced, online course, the Money Skillz Bootcamp aligns with modern distance learning standards, giving students the flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere.

School Sponsored Clubs:

At YIS, students don’t just study finance—they build life-changing habits that prepare them for a lifetime of saving and investing. In a fun, team-based environment, each local chapter dives into the essentials of personal finance, including account management, budgeting, credit, loans & debt, entrepreneurship, saving, and investing.

Through the MyYIS Portfolio, students put their knowledge into action, competing with peers, testing their strategies, and sharpening their skills. Along the way, they gain leadership experience and develop core values like hard work, patience, and teamwork.

Best of all, every student has the chance to explore and participate in the full range of YIS programs, opening doors to new opportunities and growth.

YIS Programs:

Enrichment Programs that Inspire Growth
YIS offers a variety of programs throughout the year that give students the chance to apply what they learn, build confidence, and connect with peers around the world:

• Dollar-A-Day Challenge – Students practice the habit of saving and investing by committing just one dollar a day, learning how small, consistent actions can grow into big results.

• Finance Knowledge Bowl – A fast-paced quiz competition where students test their knowledge of finance, economics, and investing while having fun with their peers.

• Fireside Chats – Exclusive conversations with finance professionals and industry leaders who share real-world insights, career journeys, and advice.

• Global Stock Pitch Competition – Teams of students research and pitch real companies to a panel of investors, developing critical thinking, presentation, and teamwork skills.

• CYIA™ (Certified Young Investment Analyst) Designation – A prestigious credential earned by completing rigorous coursework and an online exam, recognized by universities and future employers.

• Global Youth Investment Summit – Our flagship annual event brings together students from around the world for a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Participants engage in case study competitions that test critical thinking and problem-solving skills, pitch stocks in the Global Stock Pitch Competition to panels of professional investors, and challenge themselves with finance quizzes that sharpen their knowledge of economics, investing, and personal finance. They also attend interactive workshops and fireside chats led by top finance leaders, gaining insights into career paths and industry trends, while networking with like-minded peers and professionals across various financial sectors. The Summit is more than an event—it’s a global stage for students to learn, compete, and grow as future leaders in finance and investing.