21 Savage launches “Bank Account Financial Literacy Week” with Atlanta schools
21 Savage launches financial literacy initiative with Atlanta schools
In a bold move to address generational financial illiteracy, GRAMMY award-winning artist and humanitarian 21 Savage has kicked off a new chapter in his mission to educate the next generation. In collaboration with his Leading By Example Foundation and Wealthy Habits, 21 Savage launched the Bank Account Financial Literacy Week at Miller Grove High School in DeKalb County, Georgia.
This initiative is more than a celebrity-driven campaign—it’s a long-term investment in youth financial empowerment.
Why Financial Literacy Matters More Than Ever
Many young people graduate high school knowing how to solve a quadratic equation but not how to open a bank account or budget a paycheck. In an economy where the cost of living continues to rise and debt is a common burden, financial literacy for youth is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Studies have shown that students who receive personal finance education are more likely to save, budget, and avoid risky financial behaviors in adulthood. Yet, only a fraction of U.S. schools include meaningful financial education in their core curriculum.
That’s the gap 21 Savage is determined to fill.
A Powerful Kickoff at Miller Grove High School
The Financial Literacy Week began with a live panel event featuring influential voices from music, finance, and community leadership. The panel, moderated by Michael Early, a financial advisor at Wells Fargo, included:
- Danielle Ball, Executive Director of the Leading By Example Foundation
- Kimmuel Bryan-Joseph, an accountant and 21 Savage’s brother
- Tammy Brook, CEO of FYI Brand Group & co-founder of Get to Yes Productions
Also in attendance was Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, who applauded the initiative as a “meaningful investment in the county’s youth.”
More than 400 students from five DeKalb County schools—Miller Grove High School, Salem Middle School, Panola Way Elementary School, Peachtree Middle School, and Bethune Middle School—attended the event.
Interactive, Age-Appropriate Learning for Every Student
Throughout the week, students took part in interactive financial literacy workshops. These 90-minute sessions weren’t boring lectures. They included:
- Budgeting simulations based on real-world scenarios
- Group discussions on wants vs. needs
- Role-playing games on credit card usage, banking, and loans
- Open Q&A sessions with financial mentors
Each session was customized to meet the age and comprehension level of the participants—from elementary school basics to high school-level credit and investment discussions.
By making these sessions hands-on and engaging, students were encouraged to think critically about money—not just as something to spend, but something to manage, grow, and protect.
Wealthy Habits: A Proven Financial Literacy Partner
Wealthy Habits, a nonprofit specializing in youth financial education, has played a critical role in delivering the curriculum for Financial Literacy Week. Their programs are rooted in behavioral economics and financial psychology, helping students understand why they spend—not just how.
By blending gamification, storytelling, and real-life examples, Wealthy Habits ensures the message sticks. Their partnership with 21 Savage has allowed the curriculum to be accessible and relatable, especially to underserved communities that are often overlooked in traditional education models.
Building Financial Confidence, One Student at a Time
Every student who participated received a financial literacy handbook filled with terms, tips, and tools to continue learning beyond the classroom. These handbooks cover topics like:
- Creating and managing a personal budget
- Understanding savings goals
- The basics of credit and interest
- How to avoid debt traps
- Smart spending habits
This emphasis on real-world application is what makes the program uniquely powerful. It’s not about passing a test. It’s about preparing for life.
The Role of Family and Community in Financial Education
Financial literacy doesn’t stop at school doors. Parents, caregivers, and educators play a crucial role in reinforcing money management principles at home.
Here are three evergreen tips for families to continue financial learning:
- Talk openly about money. Let children see how you budget, save, and make financial decisions.
- Use allowance as a teaching tool. Set rules for spending, saving, and giving.
- Involve kids in household financial choices. Let them help compare prices, plan grocery trips, or track utility bills.
By involving the entire family, students are more likely to practice healthy financial habits consistently.
From Rap to Real Change: 21 Savage’s Long-Term Vision
This isn’t 21 Savage’s first step into the world of financial education. In 2018, he launched his “Bank Account” campaign (named after his hit song) in partnership with Get Schooled to offer online resources to students across the country. The program provided over 150,000 youth with free access to budgeting and saving tools.
Now, the Leading By Example Foundation is scaling those efforts—starting with Atlanta-area youth and eventually expanding nationwide.
In an industry often criticized for glorifying materialism, 21 Savage stands out by promoting financial freedom, education, and long-term planning.
A Model for Schools Nationwide
The success of Financial Literacy Week in DeKalb County offers a blueprint for other school districts across the U.S. With the right partnerships, schools can integrate these essential skills into their curriculum without waiting for state mandates.
Here’s what made this initiative work:
- Celebrity influence used for good
- Community partnerships with proven financial educators
- Engaging curriculum tailored to different age groups
- Ongoing support materials for students and families
Financial literacy is more than a trend—it’s a necessity. And 21 Savage is proving that change can start right in your own backyard.
What’s Next for Leading By Example
With the launch of Financial Literacy Week, the Leading By Example Foundation has completed the first of fourteen sessions planned throughout the year. Each one aims to reach more students, more schools, and more communities.
Whether through in-person workshops or future digital content, the mission remains the same: teach the next generation how to build wealth, protect assets, and make informed financial decisions—regardless of where they come from.
Learn More and Get Involved
If you’re an educator, parent, or student who wants to learn more, visit:
- Leading By Example Foundation: www.leadingbyexamplefoundation.org
- Wealthy Habits: www.wealthyhabits.org
You can also follow the conversation on social media with hashtags like #BankAccountWeek and #FinancialFreedomStartsNow.
In a world where flashy spending often makes headlines, 21 Savage is shining a light on something far more valuable—knowledge. His efforts in DeKalb County are not only timely but timeless. Because the most powerful investment you can make is in a young person’s future.