Student Initiative
Since its inception, IFK has invited local university students to attend our conference free of charge, helping to inspire the next generation of finance professionals. This effort was championed by John L. Keeley, Jr., the late founder of Keeley Asset Management in Chicago and a former Invest For Kids speaker.
This initiative has grown from 7 students in the first year to over 150 students attending each year from more than 10 midwest universities. Prior to taking part in the main conference, students are invited to participate in an exclusive luncheon to network with one another and learn from a local finance leader about their career path and experiences in the industry.
INCS
Invest For Kids proudly sponsors the Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) Excellence Awards. This program is designed to acknowledge excellence in the state’s charter school network.
Each year, INCS receives nominations for awards from across the Illinois charter sector, which spans 139 schools throughout the state. Invest For Kids provides rewards totaling $35,500 to the selected outstanding principal, high school teacher, elementary teacher, parent advocate, and high achieving students of the year. Finalists and winners are selected from an applicant pool of over 100 per year and are recognized at an annual reception attended by elected officials, public charter school leaders and community supporters.
Summer Investment Challenge
In 2022, Invest For Kids became the lead sponsor of DePaul University’s Summer Investment Challenge, an intensive 4-day summer program free of charge for Chicago high school students who are interested in learning about stock markets and careers in finance.
Students live on campus and study valuation principles, asset classes and financial instruments. The program culminates with students pitching stock proposals to a panel of professionals and receiving expert feedback.