A groundbreaking initiative is transforming the lives of young people in underserved areas of the California Bay Area. Spearheaded by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), this program focuses on equipping high school students with essential financial skills. Earlier this year, a group of 23 seniors from Oakland marked their successful completion of an advanced financial education course at UC Berkeley. Beyond receiving substantial scholarships, these students gained invaluable insights into managing finances, investing wisely, and building wealth.
The collaborative effort behind this program involves partnerships between PG&E, The PG&E Corporation Foundation, UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, and Mills College at Northeastern University. This alliance aims to foster financial literacy among students who may not otherwise have access to such resources. Since its inception in 2022, over 70 students have benefited from this immersive curriculum, taught by esteemed educators and industry experts. Additionally, participants receive guidance from university mentors, creating a supportive network for learning and growth. One participant, Ty Carter, highlighted how the program prepared him for future academic and financial challenges.
As California progresses toward integrating personal finance education into high school curricula by 2031, initiatives like this demonstrate effective methods for teaching practical financial skills. They exemplify how utility companies can drive positive change within their communities. PG&E's dedication underscores the importance of empowering youth through early exposure to financial systems. According to Vincent Davis, a senior executive at PG&E, fostering financial knowledge in young individuals lays the groundwork for enduring success and prosperity.