Bridging the Financial Literacy Gap: Pittsburgh’s Bold Move to Empower High School Students

Pittsburgh, PA – In an ambitious stride towards bridging the financial literacy gap, Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) has completed its first semester of a groundbreaking financial education course aimed at high school students. This initiative, a collaborative effort spearheaded by Fragasso Financial Advisors, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) Pittsburgh Chapter, and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society of Pittsburgh, has enrolled over 500 students in its inaugural term, marking a significant milestone in the mission to empower the youth with essential financial skills.

The program was facilitated by Bob Fragasso of Fragasso Financial Advisors, Shana Bielich of the FPA, and Gene Natali of the CFA Society of Pittsburgh, with Gene Natali, CEO of Troutwood, playing a pivotal role in securing a $30,000 grant from Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF). This grant funded the organizational work, providing course guidelines and materials essential for the program’s launch. Angela Mike, Briane Adams, and Darcy Tyhonas coordinated the PPS participation, ensuring the successful integration of the program within the schools.

Highlighting the importance of practical application, the semester concluded with members from FPA(R), CFA(R), and Fragasso Financial Advisors taking the helm in classrooms across the district. Their involvement brought real-world experiences to the forefront, enriching students’ understanding and engagement with the financial curriculum introduced last September. This hands-on approach underscores the belief that education, to be truly impactful, must transcend theoretical knowledge to include functional skills applicable in everyday life.

Reflecting on the absence of financial management education in the past, Robert Fragasso, in his article published in Fragasso’s The Advisor magazine, underscored the significant cost of such omissions. Unsuitable financial decisions and burdensome credit obligations have long-term consequences on graduates’ financial progress, with the 2008 real estate crisis serving as a stark reminder of the need for informed mortgage choices. Moreover, the initiative addresses a critical gap by paving the way for students from lower-income and working-class neighborhoods to access professional opportunities within the financial sector, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and equitable economy.

This year, something different is happening in Pittsburgh’s public high schools. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of FPA(R), CFA(R), Fragasso Financial Advisors, and Pittsburgh Public Schools’ leadership, financial management education is now a reality for city high school students starting this school year. The vision is clear: to foster hope, empowerment, and a better life for Pittsburgh’s students, ultimately elevating the standard of living in the region.

Fragasso Financial Advisors, alongside its partners, remains committed to this transformative educational endeavor. As the program looks to expand and evolve, the goal remains to equip the next generation with the financial literacy and opportunities necessary for success in today’s economy.

Investment advice offered by investment advisor representatives through Fragasso Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor.

About Fragasso Financial Advisors, Inc.

Fragasso Financial Advisors, Inc. operates as an independent, primarily fee-based, employee-owned financial advisory establishment. Since its inception in 1972, the firm has been providing personalized financial planning and investment management services to individuals, non-profit organizations, and businesses. With a focus on long-term relationships and a commitment to providing the highest level of service, Fragasso Financial Advisors is a fiduciary, acting in their clients’ best interests with every decision.

Media Contact

Name
Fragasso Financial Advisors
Contact name
Marsha Posset
Contact phone
412-227-3206
Contact address
3402 Washington Road, Suite 301
City
McMurray
State
PA
Zip
15317
Country
United States
Url
https://www.fragassoadvisors.com/