Rise Financial Literacy

Rise Financial Literacy is a student-led financial education organization founded by Max Rubenstein. Built by students, for students, Rise delivers engaging, peer-to-peer financial literacy programs that meet young people where they are. We believe that financial knowledge should be accessible, practical, and empowering, regardless of background or circumstance.

At Rise Financial Literacy, our mission is to empower the next generation to become financially smart, confident, and capable. Today, many schools lack the time, resources, or funding to provide meaningful financial education, leaving students unprepared to manage money in the real world. This gap disproportionately affects students without access to financial guidance at home, perpetuating cycles of inequality and limited opportunity. Rise exists to close that gap by providing high-quality, accessible financial education to students nationwide.

Rise’s curriculum is entirely student-designed and meticulously developed in collaboration with leading academic minds. Our content has been shaped with guidance from professors at Northwestern University and Stetson University, as well as a graduate student from the University of Pennsylvania. Through interactive lessons, guided notes, hands-on activities, and captivating presenters, we teach essential life skills such as budgeting, saving, and investing in a way that is both comprehensive and engaging.

To date, Rise Financial Literacy has educated over 1000 students across multiple cities in the United States. Originally emerging from BRIGHT Financial Literacy, Rise has collaborated with respected organizations including Chase Bank, Lemonade Day, and the Youth Leadership Institute. As we continue to expand, our focus remains on creating lasting impact, equipping students with the financial tools they need to build stable, independent, and opportunity-filled futures.