Investing Classes for High School Students in Philadelphia

Investing classes can be valuable for high school students in Philadelphia. They can help students to learn concepts of personal finance and financial literacy. Classes may be available at local high schools, community colleges, online, through financial institutions, or through financial workshops and seminars. Individuals can explore a combination of these resources. 

Why High School Students Should Learn Investing

There are several reasons why high school students in Philadelphia should learn investing. Those who know investing beginning at a young age can gain a better understanding of financial literacy. This can empower individuals to make decisions about their money, like saving, investing, and planning. 

Classes can also lead to long-term financial success. Students may begin investing earlier and then have time to grow compound interest. They can also learn the risks of investments and apply this knowledge to other aspects of their lives. 

As the population of Philadelphia grows, there is an ever-increasing demand for housing. This makes it an excellent area to invest in. There are also many employment opportunities and a long list of potential rewards for investors. 

Temple University, located in Philadelphia offers different courses related to finance and investing. Individuals can attend after graduation to learn seemingly complicated financial topics in a digestible manner. These courses can help individuals to prepare for the AP investing exam. 

In-Person Investing Classes in Philadelphia

One program, First Generation Investors, selects high school students in underserved areas who demonstrate an interest in economics and investing to complete their eight-week course. Individuals learn what a stock is, about compounding interest, volatility and diversification, mutual funds and ETFs, and dollar-cost averaging. Those who complete the program are granted $100 to invest in ETFs or mutual funds.

Virtual Investing Classes

Virtual investing classes are live online and interactive. Individuals can ask questions and interact with instructors and each other in real time. Instructors can even see and control individuals’ screens with permission. 

NextGen Bootcamp offers Excel, Finance, & Investing Summer Program for high school students. The course is live online and teaches students about Microsoft Excel, Finance, and stock market investing. The course is 25 hours for $1,299 and features expert instructors and small class sizes, with the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Individuals receive a proprietary workbook and a verified digital certificate of completion. The course covers beginner-to-advanced Excel skills, stock fundamentals, and the three main financial statements and how they interact. 

How to Choose a Investing Class

When choosing an investing class, individuals may wonder about the cost, duration, difficulty level, age range, and whether in-person or virtual classes will suit them better. 

Individuals should consider whether classes are in their price range. Some types may be free, while others may require a fee. It is also essential to factor in additional costs like textbooks, materials, or the price of gas for in-person classes. 

When determining whether in-person or virtual classes will suit them best, individuals should consider whether they learn better in a classroom setting or from the comfort of their own homes. Online classes may require more self-discipline, as there may be less structure. They also lack the same level of personal interaction that in-person classes provide. Those who enroll in in-person classes should ensure they have reliable transportation and available time in their schedule.