As the cost of living continues to inflate, local nonprofit Top Achievers Foundation equips the next generation with the skills to achieve financial independence. Located in Collin County, the six-session Youth Financial Literacy class aims to ensure middle and high school students understand what it takes to live their dream lifestyle.
"Financial literacy is the foundation of a stable future," says Lawrence Mann, Top Achievers CEO. "We want young people to understand the importance of making informed financial decisions early on."
The free workshop, offered in partnership with area financial institutions, covers budgeting, saving, and credit management through interactive lessons and lectures from industry experts.
Floyd Jahner, former CFO and COO of the Dallas Mavericks, has shared his expertise as a guest lecturer since the class began in 2020. "We want to get kids to start thinking about finances," says Jahner. "We want to get them started early, so they're not an adult thinking, 'Oh no, how am I going to make this work?'"
Top Achievers got its start in 1996 when Mann's five-year-old son underwent heart surgery. Mann says he made a deal with God: "Save my son, and I will dedicate my life to empowering the next generation."
While financial literacy is one of the foundation’s offerings, the nonprofit aims to ensure students gain well-rounded skills to thrive in adulthood. Other core pillars of the nonprofit's mission include mentorship, sports training, STEAM education, and collegiate scholarships.
The two-hour Youth Financial Literacy class is offered on Saturdays twice a month.
For those looking to volunteer, find programming for their child, or make a financial donation, visit topachieversplano.org. You can also attend the organization’s annual fundraiser May 22 at First United Bank, 3930 Dallas Pkwy.
Programs Offered by Top Achievers
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Financial Literacy - Twice monthly workshops aimed at teaching those in grades 6-12 the skills needed to be financially stable as an adult.
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STEAM - Quarterly camps focusing on subjects such as CRISPR, crystallography, rocket combustion, and more.
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Basketball – Annual competitive league aimed at instilling motivation, grit, commitment, and a growth mindset in today’s youth. Separate leagues offered for middle school/high school and genders.
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Mentorship – Year-round, one-on-one mentorship and guidance on becoming a first-generation college student or becoming a productive member of society.
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E-sports – Year-round programming that uses e-sports as the catalyst to instill motivation, grit, commitment, and growth mindset to today’s youth.