San Diego, CA · Est. 2022 · International

Empowering
the Next
Generation

The Financial Literacy Initiative is an international nonprofit aimed at equipping students with the financial knowledge and real-world skills to propel their future

Open a Chapter Our Impact
3,150+
Students Reached
6
Global Chapters
2.2β
Student Fund Beta

Our Mission

Where ambition meets financial fluency

The Financial Literacy Initiative is an international nonprofit started from a simple belief that every student deserves to understand money. Founded at Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego, FLI has grown into a global movement. The initiative had established chapters spanning four countries. Each chapter is dedicated to transforming how the next generation thinks about finance.

We bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world, by arming students with the literacy, and experience, to confidently step into professional careers.

Ian Bates
Co-Founder
Tanish Kathir
Co-Founder
FLI founders in conversation with community partner
FLI student handshake at networking event
FLI team presenting at CCA economics booth

By the Numbers

A scale that speaks for itself

From a single classroom in San Diego to a nonprofit with global reach. Here's what FLI has built.

0
Students Reached
Across 5 school districts
0
Total Members
Active in 2025–26
0
Global Chapters
USA, UK & growing
0
Student Fund Beta
Outperforming professionals
Students Reached — Year to Date
YTD Progress 3,150+
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 Goal

What We Do

Three pillars of impact

Financial Literacy Initiative

Our flagship program sends well educated high school students into elementary and middle school classrooms to teach foundational financial aptitude. These lessons include topics ranging from budgeting to investing and include engaging, interactive lessons.

3,150+ Students Taught

The Student Fund

FLI members research, pitch, and manage a real investment portfolio presented to financial managers at Fortune 500 companies including Charles Schwab and CSC. Our fund achieved a Beta of 2.2, outperforming many industry professionals. Top performing stocks include Micron and Alphabet.

Beta 2.2 — Fortune 500 Pitches

Competitions & Recognition

Students compete in finance competitions, including the Harvard International Economics Essay Competition (HIEEC), Wharton Global Youth Investment competition and more. FLI took 1st place at the San Diego Regional Finance Competition and has earned national recognition.

1st Place — SD Regional Finance

Global Reach

Six chapters.
One mission.

What started in a single classroom in San Diego is now a global initiative. FLI chapters are active across the United States and internationally, and we're still growing. Join the mission.

San Diego, CA Founding Chapter
Colorado United States
Texas United States
London United Kingdom
New Jersey United States
North Carolina United States

What People Say

Heard from the front lines

"You all crushed it! I have had some high school guests before, and they literally read their slides. You guys knew your stuff and kept the kids engaged. I appreciate your commitment to helping others!"

Austin Olson
Teacher, PTMS

"I'm impressed by the work you are doing through the FLI and your commitment to youth empowerment and education at such a young age."

Genia N.
Delegate, UN ECOSOC Forum

"Definitely the most well-spoken teens we have interviewed."

Steve R.
Journalist, ABC 10 News

"We learned to look at the stock and understand it a lot before investing in it, because it could drop down like you showed us with Nike."

5th Grade Student
FLI Classroom Participant

Recognition

Proven at
every level

01
Featured on ABC 10 News for outstanding student financial literacy achievements
Media
02
Featured in the San Diego Union-Tribune — recognized by one of the city's premier publications
Media
03
1st Place — San Diego Regional Finance Competition
Competition
04
Placement in the Harvard International Economics Essay Competition (HIEEC)
Competition
05
Student Fund achieved a Beta of 2.2 — outperforming many industry professionals at Fortune 500 pitch reviews
Student Fund
06
Canyon Crest Academy "Best Club Award" recipient
Award
07
Catalyzed student entries into paid financial positions at firms historically hiring only from top universities
Career Impact
08
Expanded to an international nonprofit with chapters in the United States and United Kingdom
Expansion
FLI founders in discussion with industry leaders at an event
FLI Co-Founders Tanish Kathir and Ian Bates — connecting with community and industry leaders at a networking event.

Press & Media

FLI in the spotlight

ABC 10 News — San Diego

Teen Financial Literacy: High School Students Build Investment Portfolios and Teach Peers About Money

An ABC 10 News segment covering FLI's unique model — where high school students both manage a real investment fund and teach financial literacy to younger students, drawing attention from the broader San Diego community.

Watch Segment
San Diego Union-Tribune

With Economics Club, CCA Students Make an Investment in Financial Literacy

The San Diego Union-Tribune featured FLI's work at Canyon Crest Academy — profiling how student-led financial education is making a measurable impact across five local school districts and beyond.

Read Article

Expand the Mission

Open a Chapter
at Your School

FLI is actively looking for driven students to bring financial literacy to their communities. If you're passionate about finance and education, this is your opportunity to build something that lasts.

Chapters get access to our full curriculum, mentorship from FLI leadership, and the resources to run impactful programs at your school.

Access to FLI's full financial literacy curriculum

Mentorship from FLI co-founders and leadership

Join a growing international network of chapters

Compete in regional and national finance competitions

Start Your Chapter
Submit your interest below — we'll follow up within a week.
Or email us directly at cca.economics.club@gmail.com

Learn

Financial Education Resources

Coming Soon

Curated financial literacy resources, reading lists, and tools are being added here. Check back soon.

Get in Touch

Ready to be part
of the movement?

Whether you want to open a chapter, partner with FLI, or simply learn more — we'd love to hear from you.

Email FLI @ccaeconclub Open a Chapter