Building Financial Literacy in Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside Counties

The LIFEvest Financial Literacy Program — hosted by the Center for Investment and Wealth Management (CIWM) at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Paul Merage School of Business — is an on-campus immersion program dedicated to helping underserved students who have the potential to be first generation college students. This year marks the 8th year of LIFEvest, with three week-long programs: one for young men and two for young women entering 9th and 10th grade.

Canterbury Consulting’s Vice President Chad Bollenbach and Director of Research Stuart Blair, CAIA served on LIFEvest’s program committee. Several Canterbury team members participated in LIFEvest as volunteers this year as well. Focusing on the theme “how to build a meaningful life plan by creating lasting financial and educational goals,” Canterbury helped the program with its key goals:

• Strengthen an understanding in financial matters
• Expose students to a college campus
• Encourage admission to a college or university
• Explore various career fields
• Teach social etiquette skills
• Inspire confidence and success in all areas of life

During the week, students visited the offices of Taco Bell and PAAMCO, participated in a guided social etiquette dinner, and presented their LIFEvest project to a panel of volunteer judges. While it costs $2,100 to have a student participate in LIFEvest, the program’s tuition comes at no cost to the student, as it is completely funded by the UCI CIWM and its sponsors.

Learn more about LIFEvest here.