The University of Arizona, in partnership with the Freedom Center, hosted the graduation event for the Spring 2025 cohort of the Invest in Girls program, an initiative by the Arizona Council on Economic Education (ACEE) aimed at closing the gender gap in finance. This event celebrated 28 students from Valley Vista High School in Surprise, AZ, who completed a program designed to inspire and empower young women to pursue careers in finance.
“Money is the way of the world. I dream of going to college, joining the Air Force, and achieving big things in business. This program helped me get there.” – Stephanie Myers
The Invest in Girls program is dedicated to equipping young women, particularly those from underserved communities, with financial literacy, investment knowledge, and career development skills. This initiative addressed a crucial gap, as women currently earn only $0.82 for every dollar earned by men, with even fewer women occupying executive roles in finance.
Dr. Mary L. Rigdon, Director of the Freedom Center, emphasized the importance of representation and mentorship in empowering young women to pursue economics and finance. “Research shows that when girls see women in economics classrooms, they’re more likely to choose economics majors themselves. Our goal was to provide these students with the tools and inspiration they need to break barriers and succeed,” Rigdon explained.
This program gave students a firsthand look at campus life, helping them envision themselves as future Wildcats. In addition to touring the University of Arizona, the students participated in workshops led by women in finance, providing valuable networking opportunities and industry insights.
As the Spring 2025 cohort graduated, the Freedom Center and ACEE looked ahead to expanding the program to additional schools next year, continuing their mission to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of women in finance.
