“I wish I had learned more about finances when I was younger,” is a notion commonly expressed by Vanguard clients and crew alike. For crew, the ability to educate clients on savings and investing topics is among the most meaningful aspects of their day-to-day roles. While Vanguard strives to give investors the best chance for investment success by offering world-class products, services, and advice, it also seeks to fulfill this mission by driving positive impact in the communities where we operate. In this spirit, Vanguard Community Stewardship recently partnered with the Arizona Science Center to support their Girls in STEM program and its recent financial literacy event titled, “Making Cents of Life: Dive Into Your Future.”

The half-day immersive event was a great success and included participation from over 30 girls ranging from fourth through eighth grade. The day kicked-off with a panel discussion of Vanguard women who shared personal stories about careers in finance, and the role financial literacy has played in their lives. From there, the girls experienced a series of hands-on activities designed to show how different aspects of financial literacy, including budgeting, saving, and decision-making could all work together to help achieve broader life goals.

Jenna C., a Lead Analyst within Vanguard’s Investment Stewardship team, and member of Vanguard’s Skills-Based Volunteer (SBV) program, along with Amanda M., a Product Owner within Vanguard’s Retail Brokerage Trading and Operations team and site lead for Vanguard’s My Classroom Economy (MCE) program, were both instrumental in developing the engaging financial literacy event.

“One of the most rewarding aspects about being a Vanguard crewmember is the ability to integrate your passions, talents, and expertise towards making a positive impact in the lives of others,” shared Jenna. “The experience in bringing the Girls in STEM event to life, in partnership with others who are passionate about financial literacy education – especially among young women – has truly been one the most meaningful experiences I have had at Vanguard.”

The event was made possible through a grant from Vanguard’s Hometown Grant Program, a crew-led investment committee engaged in allotting charitable contributions to high-impact local nonprofits. As a beneficiary of these grants, the Arizona Science Center reached out to Vanguard to collaborate on the event for which the proceeds would fund its signature Girls in STEM program.

“Girls in STEM was a fantastic opportunity to promote positive financial habits while also collaborating with other community organizations, including the Arizona Science Center, which recognizes the importance of early financial literacy education,” said Amanda. “The ultimate success of the event exemplified that this was truly a valuable partnership, and one that made me proud to be a Vanguard crew member and client-owner.”