I am just joining NGPF as a Professional Development Program Manager and am excited to be here! My main responsibilities will be leading Professional Development for wonderful teachers like you, working with school districts, and supporting the implementation of NGPF's Personal Finance curriculum. 

Education for me has always been important and continues to be my fuel source. I taught high school science in an underserved neighborhood in San Francisco. My students showed me that everyone just wants to learn and have an opportunity for a better future. AP Psychology was my favorite class to teach - it was impactful to see how quickly concepts clicked for students and how they were able to make connections to their lives. Students would have ah-ha moments and state things like “that explains why I ____” or “wow, this totally makes sense! It reminds me of when ___” Those moments of understanding are what made the class dynamic so beautiful. Each one of my students would mention that psychology was a topic they believed everyone should know. 

As I reflect on their passion for understanding themselves a little more through psychology, I think about all of the other classes my students would have loved. As a first generation college graduate, I know the weight and stigma that finances can carry. Growing up, it was instilled in me that I needed to go to college, get a good education, get a good job, and life would be swell. This mindset did not take into consideration the policies, lack of education, and understanding of finances that many communities in this country do not have access to. Putting myself in their shoes, I would have loved to learn about finances growing up! I know my students would have loved to have access to financial education, not only to better their lives, but to give hope to their families. 

I write this understanding that there is a solution. At NGPF, our mission is that by 2030, all U.S. high schoolers to take at least one-semester course in Personal Finance before graduation. We must recognize that access to this type of education has been a barrier for many students and communities. We must also recognize that with our committed team, dedicated teachers, advocates, and lawmakers we can break down these barriers across the country. We can work together and help us all learn more about personal finance to ensure that our students are equipped to live more financially secure lives. 

About the Author

Albert Perez

As NGPF's Professional Development Program Manager, Albert leads Professional Development, works with school districts, and supports the implementation of NGPF's personal finance curriculum.