STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University’s Texan Smart initiative is expanding its efforts to strengthen financial capability and economic resilience through a new collaboration that brings the First Generation Investors program to Stephenville High School.
The program introduces high school students to investing and personal finance through an eight-session curriculum covering investing, diversification, budgeting and credit. Students who successfully complete the program and capstone project are eligible to receive a donor-funded $100 investment, allowing them to put what they have learned into practice.
“Building economically resilient communities begins with equipping people with the knowledge and confidence to make sound financial decisions,” said Dr. Natalya Delcoure, Dean of Tarleton State University’s Dr. Sam Pack College of Business. “By reaching students early, Texan Smart is helping build a foundation of providing students with practical experience as investors.”
Delcoure credited Dr. Juan Gallardo, Assistant Professor in the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, for his leadership in developing Texan Smart and expanding its impact.
“Juan’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in building Texan Smart into an initiative that connects financial education with meaningful student and community engagement,” Delcoure said. “We are grateful for the foundation he has created.”
As Texan Smart enters its next phase under the leadership of Assistant Director Sandra Richardson, the initiative will continue expanding partnerships that advance financial capability and contribute to stronger, more economically resilient communities.
“Sandra is exceptionally well positioned to build on this momentum,” Delcoure said. “I am excited about her leadership and the opportunities ahead for Texan Smart.”
The Stephenville High School collaboration reflects the broader commitment of the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business to developing the financial capability, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities that help communities thrive.
To learn more about Texan Smart, visit tarleton.edu/texansmart/.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 27,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 127 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real-world learning and address regional, state and national needs.