Hoover High School Student Participates in National CNBC + JA Conversation

What started as an assignment for Hoover High School student Gavin Williams turned into an unexpected opportunity.

Earlier this fall, Gavin and eight classmates formed FinLit as part of the JA Company Program through Junior Achievement (JA) of North Central Ohio in teacher Mike Grady’s business program. Focused on bringing vital financial literacy education to students in a fun and understandable way, the high school students designed Budget or Bust, a board game that teaches kids how money decisions and habits impact their financial futures.

Little did Gavin know what the following spring would bring. Gavin, a senior, will have the chance to share his story and experiences with industry experts, business professionals and fellow students across the US.

On April 22, 2021, CNBC + Acorns Invest in You: Ready. Set. Grow. and Junior Achievement USA are partnering to host a live virtual conversation from 1-2 PM (EST) entitled, “Leveling the Financial Playing Field Through Education.” Hosted by CNBC Senior Personal Finance Correspondent Sharon Epperson and JA USA President & CEO Jack Kosakowski, the free event will feature industry professionals Jay Clayton (Former Chairman of US Securities and Exchange Commission), Lisa Cook (Professor of Economics & International Relations at Michigan State University) and Nathalie Molina Niño (CEO of O³, Investor, Entrepreneur and Author).

Teens nationwide will share their financial literacy academic experiences and ask experts about the changing landscape of personal finance in schools. Local JA areas were asked to nominate outstanding students. Lori McCleese, President of JA of North Central Ohio, said that she immediately thought of Gavin.

“As the CEO of Finlit, a JA Company Program team, Gavin is motivated to bring comprehensive financial literacy education to younger students. Drawing from his personal experiences growing up, Gavin understands that making smart decisions early in life will form the foundation of lifelong financial stability. He’s an impressive young man, and we are happy CNBC recognized the value he can bring to the upcoming summit,” said McCleese.