There is a new opportunity for high school students to get a step ahead in the world of finance. At the North Carolina Council on Economic Education (NCCEE) competition at Fidelity Investments®’ Durham campus today, the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer (DST) announced the creation of a high school internship for students to join its financial literacy efforts. This comes as the department plans to launch financial literacy clubs across the state using the information in its award-winning Finance Fridays newsletter. In addition there will be a new statewide financial literacy competition for students announced this fall.
“Everyone everywhere deserves to understand and feel confident when it comes to their finances,” said Treasurer Brad Briner. “This is the simple concept I am trying to achieve. We have been overwhelmed by the response from kids — especially those at the high school level — who not only wanted to learn more but also want be part of this effort.”
The internship will be available to juniors and seniors anywhere in the state. One student will be selected for a fall, a spring and a summer internship. Part of their experience will include one-on-one mentorship with leadership throughout DST, a day of shadowing at Fidelity in RTP and working on the curriculum for the newly announced financial literacy clubs. Students who complete the internship will receive a $500 scholarship for future education.
These announcements were made as three of North Carolina’s most dedicated financial literacy advocates joined hands today for the North Carolina Personal Finance Challenge state championship. Fidelity hosted high school students from across the state, and its associates served as judges as students tested their knowledge of economic principles through problem solving and critical thinking skills.
Since its founding, Fidelity’s goal has been to strengthen the financial well-being of its customers. Its community relations work supports this goal by leveraging associates’ broad talents, collaborating with local organizations that address a broad spectrum of community needs, and investing in under-resourced individuals and families to help drive change. Fidelity’s participation in today’s event is one of many North Carolina engagements coordinated through Fidelity Cares, its employee volunteer program celebrating 30 years of impact this spring.
“When students have access to a foundation of economic and financial education, it can help build lifelong financial confidence,” said Leslie Walden, Vice President, Regional Public Affairs, Fidelity Investments. “Today’s student participants showed how financial concepts like spending, saving and investing are critical for managing a family budget and household. We will continue to work within our local community to strengthen financial well-being and address other factors impacting people’s lives, from food insecurity to financial education and career readiness.”
The students for the event today were the best of the best teams who have been taking part in the challenges from NCCEE, which has been enhancing and advancing financial education since 1970. The Personal Finance Challenge lets students demonstrate their knowledge of personal finance literacy in an online competition with other schools from across the state.
Today, the top eight high school teams competed for the state championship. The winner now qualifies to compete in the National Championship round.
NCCEE trains and provides assistance to around 1,000 North Carolina teachers annually, focusing on economics and personal finance. In addition, over 15,000 students are reached each year through NCCEE’s various academic competitions.
For media:
Video from today’s announcement
Still Photos: 01, 02, 03, 04