Chris Paul is teaming up with a Black woman-owned fintech company

According to , NBA star Chris Paul joined forces with Goalsettera Black woman-owned fintech company founded by Tanya Van Court to equip Oakland middle school students with essential financial literacy skills and resources.

The partnership, which also includes the Oakland Public Innovation Fund and Nike, goals to handle the urgent need for financial education amongst young people. A recent study by Goalsetter revealed troubling financial literacy gaps amongst undergraduate students at Ivy League universities, highlighting the critical importance of early financial literacy initiatives.

“Providing our youth with the knowledge and tools to ensure a financially secure future is not just an obligation, it is a necessity,” said Chris Paul. “We owe it to the next generation to lay the foundation for financial success and ensure they are prepared to make informed decisions that will shape their lives and communities for the better.”

Through this initiative, 1,400 middle school students at Edna Brewer Middle School and Montera Middle School in Oakland, California, may have access to a comprehensive financial literacy education. Aptly named “The Goal Setting Classroom,” the curriculum will feature weekly quizzes peppered with popular culture references to effectively engage students.

In addition to educational materials, students will receive practical resources, including a Goalsetter savings account available through the company’s app. They may also receive $40 price of Nike stock deposited into their Goalsetter investment account. To further empower students, Goalsetter will provide them with Cashola cards, debit cards powered by Mastercard, with features equivalent to ‘Learn before you burn’ and ‘Learn to earn’.

“It’s more than just a conversation; This is a step towards closing the financial literacy gap among young people in America,” noted Tanya Van Court. “Chris Paul’s involvement was instrumental in conveying the message that financial education is crucial for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic background.”

By teaching basic financial concepts equivalent to the Rule of 72 and the ability of compound interest, the initiative goals to interrupt the cycle of costly financial mistakes that may hinder students from constructing wealth.