Financially Lit
Bridging the financial literacy gap for high school and college students through financial education and resources. Stacia Williams' nationwide nonprofit, Financially Lit, helps empower the next generation with informational events and scholarships.
A Journey to Financial Independence
The Inspiration
Everyone has a financial hurdle to overcome at some point in their life.
For some, those obstacles appear earlier than others. One spring, Stacia Williams learned from her niece, a vice principal at a nearby high school, that a number of students would miss graduation.“There were kids who weren’t going to graduate, because they couldn’t afford to pay a $49 fee,” Stacia said. “We made sure those kids walked across the stage.”
That realization, combined with Stacia’s own experiences with student loans and young parenthood, helped her recognize a glaring lack of financial literacy among high school and college students. This gap can potentially lead to devastating debt or missed opportunities.
Identifying an opportunity to leverage her professional backgrounds in finance and public speaking, Stacia founded Financially Lit to help young adults build a reliable foundation for future financial independence.
Making Financial Literacy Cool
As Stacia prepared to speak at a leadership conference in 2024, she knew she needed to present finance in a way that appealed to a young audience.
Stacia understood that today’s youth are accustomed to consuming short-form content, often from unverified sources such as social media. She was determined to cut through the noise and deliver accessible financial education that actually works.
With that in mind, Stacia intentionally chose a name that honors the younger generation’s desire for brevity and conveys that being savvy with money is not just important but genuinely cool. The concept of teaching financial literacy to young adults became the organization “Financially Lit.”
‘Charity Begins at Home’
Stacia is committed to continuing her father’s legacy of giving back to the local community and helping underserved populations.
“Charity begins at home,” Stacia said. “There are a lot of kids who are struggling right here in my own backyard.”
While Financially Lit is based in Kansas City, Missouri, its vision is national. As the organization grows, Stacia hopes its impact will reach young adults across the country.
The nonprofit’s mission is to partner directly with high schools and colleges to introduce students to essential financial topics. Its offerings focus on practical knowledge, including budgeting, understanding loans and finding scholarship opportunities.
Through educational presentations, community engagement opportunities, tutoring sessions, scholarships and other forms of support, Financially Lit aims to make learning about money engaging and rewarding for the younger generation.
Contribute to the Cause
Financially Lit relies on the generosity of partners, donors and community members to support its mission. The organization has two immediate priorities:
A Scholarship Fund
Directly support students as they pursue higher education or encounter other qualifying needs
A Building Fund
Complete necessary repairs and upgrades on the future headquarters space in Kansas City
Join the Movement
Financially Lit is actively seeking partnerships to create more opportunities to serve.
Maybe you work at a high school or university and are interested in hosting a Financially Lit event. Perhaps you are a retired teacher and wish to offer tutoring services. Your collaboration or contribution can directly support the next generation’s financial journeys.
To learn more about our programs or explore opportunities, please contact us through the form below.
Your Support Can Change a Student’s Life
Contact us to learn more about Financially Lit or to donate to the building or scholarship funds.
