Treasurer’s Youth Investment Summit a Hit with Students and Parents

March 2020

Every Saturday in February, the STO held its first-ever “Youth Investment Summit” to teach the basics of money management. Thirteen-year-old Rahquel Harris was among the dozens of teens who attended. “I want to get better at spending,” she said. “I don’t want to spend my money on useless stuff.”

Participants learned how to set goals, use budgets, and spend wisely. The sessions were held at Showers of Blessings church in Sacramento. The STO plans to replicate the program around the state.

The Youth Investment Summit was organized by Deputy State Treasurer Jovan Agee, who grew up in a low-income neighborhood in Fresno. He is Treasurer Ma’s deputy of housing and economic development. He wants young people to develop the skills they need to succeed as adults.

Deputy Treasurer Agee wants to show young people how to keep their income once they acquire it.

“So many young people in communities like this have no goals. They don’t know what to aspire to because they don’t see it,” he said.

Treasurer Ma attended the sessions and said they were inspiring. “This is why I love my job,” she said. “It’s all about changing lives, leveling the playing field, and empowering the next generation.”

Parent Carlissa Jones said the Youth Investment Summit taught lessons that she herself learned the hard way.“ I had to learn later in life how to save and secure my future,” she said.

The interactive course was taught by Wells Fargo bankers, using their “You and Your Money Curriculum.”

*Note: Please call (916) 653-2995 if you’re interested in future Youth Investment Summits.