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Real‑World Financial Learning Through School–Business Partnerships

The capacity for students to understand the basics of personal finance, budgeting, investing, credit, and other components of financial literacy is critical not only to their individual career success and ability to build wealth, but also to Greater Boston’s long‑term economic vitality. When young people graduate with strong financial skills, they are better equipped to remain in the region, contribute to its workforce, and participate fully in an economy where all people and businesses can thrive. Educators and the business community share a commitment to ensuring students build these essential skills before they leave high school.

Working together, the Chamber Foundation and Boston Public Schools are developing a shared vision for financial literacy coursework that incorporates experiential learning opportunities, connecting students directly with business and financial professionals. This partnership strengthens the talent pipeline, supports economic mobility, and helps ensure Greater Boston continues to grow as a vibrant, inclusive place to live and work.

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP WITH BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Through our Principal Partners and Financial Literacy initiatives, the Chamber Foundation invites the Greater Boston business community to engage with Boston Public Schools leaders and their students to strengthen our communities and build the workforce of the future.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Chamber’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm, expands economic opportunity through its initiatives focused on workforce and talent development, and small business growth. Our work supports people and small businesses through programs that develop talent, cultivate future leaders, retain a strong workforce and promote inclusive growth.
Learn more about the BPS Partnership Invest in the Foundation

Questions? Contact us.

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Staff
Michael Holland

Director of Workforce Development Strategy

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Michael

Impact to Date

1,148

Students engaged across 6 schools.

38

Sessions coordinated where volunteers led lessons, spoke on panels, and judged student projects.

68

Actively engaged volunteers from 13 companies.

Financial Literacy
Financial Literacy

Why Join the Initiative  

The Financial Literacy initiative streamlines collaboration between schools and businesses, simplifying the relationship-building process for business partners to engage with BPS, while equipping BPS leadership with access to industry experts who can help bridge classroom learning with real-world experience. 

Learn More About the Benefits
Literacy Page
Literacy Page

How to Get Started

The first step to becoming a corporate partner is to complete the Interest Form. This form gathers essential information to help us understand your company’s goals for participating in the initiative. Once approved, our team will reach out to provide information on the next steps.

Submit the Form

Thank you to the members of our Financial Literacy Working Group

Downloadable Resources

Support Financial Literacy

Corporate Volunteer Guidebook

This guide will offer you a clear starting point, helpful context, and the tools to make a meaningful impact. Serving as a practical, easy‑to‑use reference, it helps you become confident in your understanding of the program and how to step into a meaningful volunteer role within the Foundation’s financial literacy initiative.

Support Financial Literacy

Financial Literacy Initiative Overview

Learn how your organization can play a meaningful role in expanding financial literacy opportunities for Boston Public Schools students. It’s designed for companies looking to strengthen community engagement, offer impactful volunteer experiences, and help students build essential skills for their future.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do corporate partners have to pay a fee to participate?

    No, there is no fee to participate. Volunteers are simply asked to fully commit to their assignments once they express interest. This initiative is supported by grant funding and private donations. For information on how to support the initiative, please contact the Chamber Foundation team or click here to donate now.

  • How many volunteers are required for our company to be considered an official partner?

    There is no minimum or maximum. Companies are encouraged to involve any employees interested in participating.

  • What happens after our company submits the intake form?

    A representative from the Chamber Foundation team will reach out via email to schedule a brief meeting to discuss your company’s priorities. We will also help get your employees signed up for upcoming volunteer opportunities.

  • How often will volunteer opportunities be posted?

    They’re posted as needed, with at least 3–4 weeks’ notice for volunteers.

  • Will our company be assigned to the same school partner, or can volunteers choose their placements?

    Placements depend on school needs and availability. Some companies work with one school consistently; others choose from available options.

  • Can we take photos during volunteer events?

    Yes—just confirm with the teacher that students have signed photo release waivers.

  • Are background checks required?

    In most cases, no. However, some schools may ask volunteers to complete a background check. If that occurs, the process is simple and takes only a few minutes. If needed, the school will notify volunteers directly.

Funders