Investment Fund
Students learn how markets and investing work by putting real earnings to work over multiple years.
HRAI financial literacy initiative
The Grade Bank: turning grades into assets, opportunity and long-term financial independence.
A long-term youth financial-literacy and development initiative created by Hampton Roads Arts Initiative LLC, serving students at low-performing high schools and the middle schools that feed into them. HRAI begins with an inaugural cohort of 100 sixth-grade students and follows them all the way through high school graduation.
Mission
Not a reward for good grades — a lesson in turning achievement into opportunity.
The Grade Bank is dedicated to expanding financial education, economic opportunity and long-term financial independence for students attending low-performing high schools and their feeder schools in participating cities.
By connecting students with experienced professionals from business, finance, government, education and the community, students graduate with more than a diploma — they leave with financial knowledge, accumulated assets, practical experience, professional relationships and the confidence to make informed decisions.
How students earn
Report cards become deposits
$200
For each A earned during a grading period
$100
For each B earned during a grading period
Rather than handing students cash, the funds become part of the instructional experience. Students learn to allocate their earnings across four financial pots, with limited access under program rules while enrolled and full access to eligible accumulated funds after high school graduation.
The four pots
Every dollar earned has a job to do
Savings / Education Fund
Personal finance and long-term education savings — including a 529 component where appropriate — for college or trade school.
Entrepreneurial Fund
Capital students can use to explore additional income streams or launch their own business ideas.
Fun Fund
A portion for personal spending, teaching responsible discretionary choices instead of restriction.
Student experience
Sixth grade through graduation
- 2 days a week
- After-school sessions at The Grade Bank facility
- 2.5 hours
- Of financial-literacy and mental-health instruction each day
- 2 Saturdays
- Of community service each month
- 4 weeks
- Summer camp for returning and newly recruited students
What students learn
- Personal financial management
- Saving for college, trade school and career goals
- Investing and wealth building
- Entrepreneurship and small-business development
- Mental health and wellness
Real-world instructors & mentors
Instruction is provided wherever possible by bankers, investors, accountants, entrepreneurs, business owners, educators, government representatives, mental-health professionals and community leaders. Selected instructors also serve as long-term mentors supporting groups of roughly 10–15 students — helping with financial allocations, academic and personal goals, college and career exploration, and staying engaged through graduation.
Where we are
In development — and building it with the community
HRAI intends to build The Grade Bank collaboratively with schools, city governments, financial institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, mental-health professionals and other community stakeholders. The vision is a sustainable model that starts with 100 students in one community, demonstrates measurable outcomes, and is then replicated in additional cities.
The Grade Bank is a main focus of HRAI's fundraising. Donate, sponsor a cohort, or lend your expertise.
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