Financial Literacy Cohorts
Learn How to Manage Money, Set Goals & Prepare for Your Future
Free Financial Literacy Program for Arizona Teens & Young Adults (Ages 14–23)
Aspiring Youth Academy’s Financial Literacy Cohorts help teens and young adults build the knowledge, confidence, and real-world skills needed to make smart financial decisions and prepare for adulthood.
Through engaging, interactive sessions led by financial professionals, community leaders, and industry experts, participants learn practical money management skills while connecting with other Arizona teens.
Is This Program Right for You?
This program is for you if you want to learn how to:
- Budget and manage your money
- Set financial goals
- Pay for college, trade school, or other education
- Understand credit and borrowing
- Buy your first car
- Prepare to live on your own
- Build healthy financial habits
- Make smart financial decisions with confidence
Program at a Glance
Who
Arizona teens and young adults, ages 14–23Cost
FreeWhen
- Summer Financial Literacy Cohort (6 Weeks, June – July)
- Winter Financial Literacy Cohort (4 Weeks, Dec. – January)
Where
- Live Virtual Sessions via Zoom
- Join from anywhere
- Optional in-person networking opportunities and special events
Certificate
Participants who successfully complete the cohort receive a Certificate of Participation documenting their total instructional hours, jointly recognized by Aspiring Youth Academy and our participating banking and financial institution partners. This documentation may be used when requesting extracurricular personal finance credit or other academic recognition, where applicable.Watch Parties
Available for schools, group homes, youth organizations, clubs, churches, libraries, and community partners.Our Mission
Aspiring Youth Academy’s mission is to empower Arizona teens through entrepreneurship, financial literacy, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences that help them build confidence and prepare for future success.
We believe every young person deserves access to financial education that is engaging, practical, and relevant to their everyday lives.
What You'll Learn
Each cohort focuses on practical financial topics including:
- Making the Most of Your Income
- Setting Goals
- Paying for Education
- Borrowing Basics
- Living on Your Own
- Buying a Car
- Budgeting and Saving
- Credit and Responsible Borrowing
- Making Smart Financial Decisions
Flexible Ways to Participate
Choose the experience that works best for you.
Individual Student
Register and join live from anywhere.Family Participation
Parents, guardians, and family members are encouraged to participate alongside their student and continue important financial conversations at home.Hybrid Experience
Participate virtually while also attending optional in-person networking opportunities, celebrations, and special events throughout the cohort.Watch Parties
Schools, group homes, youth organizations, clubs, libraries, churches, and community organizations can host a Financial Literacy Watch Party. Simply gather your group, join the live virtual session together, and designate a Watch Party Facilitator to help participants engage throughout the program. To host a Watch Party, contact: Ashley Woodburn Program Manager Ashley@AspiringYouth.orgProgram Format & Certificate of Participation
Aspiring Youth Academy offers Financial Literacy Cohorts twice each year during the Phoenix Union High School District’s Summer and Winter Breaks.
Participation in the Financial Literacy Cohort may be eligible for Personal Finance credit or other academic recognition at participating schools. Please check with your school counselor, teacher, or administration to determine whether participation qualifies.
In addition to earning a certificate, participants gain valuable financial literacy, leadership, communication, and career readiness skills that can be included on a résumé, LinkedIn profile, college application, scholarship application, or professional portfolio.
Summer Financial Literacy Cohort
Our Summer Cohort is a 6-week virtual program. Students who successfully complete all six sessions receive a Certificate of Participation recognizing six hours of financial literacy education.
Winter Financial Literacy Cohort
Our Winter Cohort is a 4-week virtual program. Students who successfully complete all four sessions receive a Certificate of Participation recognizing four hours of financial literacy education.
Why Join?
By participating, you’ll:
- Build confidence managing your money
- Learn real-life financial skills
- Set meaningful financial goals
- Prepare for college, careers, and adulthood
- Meet financial professionals and community leaders
- Connect with other Arizona teens
- Earn a Certificate of Participation
- Gain experience that can strengthen your résumé, LinkedIn profile, college applications, scholarships, and professional portfolio
Continue Your Financial Journey
Learning about money doesn’t stop when the cohort ends. Continue building your financial knowledge and confidence by exploring additional resources from Aspiring Youth Academy.
Questions?
Have questions about when the next Financial Literacy Cohort begins or whether the program is right for you?
Contact:
Ashley Woodburn
Program Manager
Ashley@AspiringYouth.org
General Inquiries
We’re happy to answer your questions and help you get registered.
