Investing in Florida’s Future: Consortium and Wells Fargo Empower Students

The Consortium and Wells Fargo are partnering again through the Investing in Florida’s Future program to expand hands-on financial education for students across Florida. For 2025–26, Wells Fargo has awarded $50,000 to be shared among nine local education foundations, enabling classroom and co-curricular experiences that teach budgeting, saving, banking, and the money habits employers value. Designed with equity at the center, projects prioritize students from economically disadvantaged families and translate directly to college, career, and life readiness.

The grant supports interactive learning—from budgeting simulations and “reality fairs,” to step-by-step guidance on opening a first bank account. Local business and community partners frequently join these activities, underscoring the workforce connection and helping students see how sound financial skills support long-term success.

The impact is proven. In 2024–25, the Consortium supported 10 projects at $5,000 each, reaching 4,490 students across 10 countywide school districts. Post-project surveys showed exceptional gains: 99.7% of participants increased their financial knowledge, 98% reported greater confidence managing money, 97% completed a budget, 98% intended to save, and 25% opened or acquired a bank account—tangible steps toward financial independence. 

Those projects featured hands-on experiences and targeted outreach to students from economically disadvantaged families. 

At ConnectED, Wells Fargo’s Kate Wilson presented the 2025–26 Investing in Florida’s Future awards, celebrating a continued partnership that equips students with money skills for life and work. Congratulations to these foundations: