North Carolina Students Spearhead Financial Literacy Education

Three North Carolina high school seniors have founded a nonprofit organization, Building Financial Futures of America (BFF of America), focused on teaching financial literacy to students around the country. Toby Qin, Vrund Gurjar, and Liam Griffin started the initiative to address gaps in student financial education, launching the group as a club during their sophomore year and expanding rapidly since then.

Origin and Inspiration Behind the Initiative

The idea for BFF of America began in response to limited financial literacy resources in their community. "We really were inspired by seeing the disparity in our community when it comes to financial literacy education," said co-founder Toby Qin. The group became official in summer 2025 and initially focused on empowering younger students with essential financial skills.

Growth and National Reach

Now in its second school year, BFF of America has delivered financial literacy curriculum to more than 6,500 students at over 100 schools across the nation. With over 80 student chapters in about 20 states, the organization is aiming for further financial literacy expansion, with plans to reach all 50 states by the end of the year. "We have full potential to be in 50 by the end of the year," co-founder Liam Griffin said.

Personal Stories Drive the Mission

The origin of the financial literacy nonprofit is personal for its founders. Both Qin and Gurjar are children of first-generation immigrants who experienced financial challenges, while Griffin grew up in a single-parent household following the tragic loss of his father. Their experiences drive a passion for making an impact through youth financial education. Gurjar expressed surprise at how some young students consider subscriptions and paid services routine expenses, noting the necessity of developing critical financial skills education early.

Advocacy and Policy Efforts

The initiative has moved beyond classroom content, with founders working directly with state lawmakers in North Carolina. They are advocating for the inclusion of fundamental economic concepts—such as opportunity cost and scarcity—in the eighth-grade curriculum, aiming to better prepare students for future financial choices. This financial literacy advocacy seeks to provide a broader foundation for students as they approach adulthood.

Impact on Students and Parents

BFF of America has not only helped close the gap in student financial education but also provided support for parents unsure how to discuss financial matters. "Oftentimes the reason why they're saying thank you is because they didn’t quite know how to explain it themselves," said Griffin. The program aims to both educate students and foster leadership among youth in financial literacy initiatives.

For more information or to learn about BFF of America’s ongoing work in student financial literacy, visit the organization's website.

Source: cbs17.com.