Students Teaching Teachers: Anisha Singhal Wins Top Prize at MAIAs

Do you remember the first time you learned about financial literacy? For many of us, it was a topic that wasn’t covered in school. Thanks to individuals like Anisha Singhal, a student at Stuyvesant High School, that’s changing. 

Singhal’s project won the “Best Teacher, Student, or Class-led Project” award at the 2023 Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards 2023. Entitled “Leveraging Journalism to Drive the Creation of High School Personal Finance Classes,” it aims to enhance financial education among high school students.

Why?

“Financial literacy is crucial for empowering individuals and shaping a more informed society,” Anisha says.

Personal Finance Education: A Start at Stuyvesant High School

Singhal has been instrumental in getting personal finance classes started at her school. She is also advocating for their inclusion in the wider curriculum.

In her sophomore year, Singhal wrote an article titled “Calculus Before Checkbooks?” for The Stuyvesant Spectator, the school’s newspaper.

The article shed light on the importance of financial literacy education, especially for students from immigrant backgrounds, who often assist their parents in managing household finances. Singhal’s thought-provoking piece sparked conversations that caught the attention of the school administration.

As a result, Stuyvesant High School introduced a section of a personal finance class. They also incorporated Singhal’s article into the economics curriculum.

The Stocktator: Journalism Meets Financial Literacy

Encouraged, Singhal continued her efforts by spearheading a special issue of The Spectator called “The Stocktator,” dedicated to financial literacy. This fueled demand for personal finance classes, prompting the expansion of the course.

Singhal’s dedication and impact have not gone unnoticed. She won the Lerner Award by Stuyvesant High School alumni recognising her creative efforts in combining journalism and financial literacy to advance the school’s curriculum. Singhal’s work has gained recognition beyond her school’s walls, with features in Forbes and City Limits.

Anisha’s Vision: Mandatory Personal Finance Classes

Her vision extends even further. Singhal is even engaging with New York State Senators to support a bill that would make personal finance classes mandatory! This would ensure that every student has the opportunity to gain financial knowledge. 

“Anisha’s work exemplifies the power of student-driven initiatives, and what can be achieved in school. Grassroots movements have the power to create meaningful change,” said MAIA co-founder, Michael Gilmore. “We hope winning a MAIA encourages her to do even more!”

Inspiring Change Beyond Borders

As it is, her project serves as an inspiration to students, educators, and communities around the world, highlighting the importance of equipping young minds with the necessary skills to navigate their financial futures.

To learn more about Anisha’s work, as well as all the other winners at MAIA 2023, visit: https://www.maiawards.org/winners-2023