Dublin High School Students Shine at 2024 Junior Achievement / CNBC Make It Student Leadership Innovation Summer Program

Dublin, CA – July 19, 2024 – Eight talented students from Dublin High School recently distinguished themselves at the prestigious 2024 Junior Achievement / CNBC Make It Student Leadership Innovation Summer Program. This year's program saw 60 students from 10 high schools across the Bay Area come together for a transformative five-week experience focused on career and financial literacy.

Participants were randomly assigned to teams, allowing them to collaborate with peers from different schools. Throughout the program, students engaged in in-person job shadowing, career and work readiness workshops, and financial literacy sessions. They also received mentorship from CNBC employees, guiding them through a Social Innovation Challenge (SIC) that revolved around the CNBC Make It website. This platform is dedicated to helping young adults navigate crucial financial milestones, such as landing a dream job, starting a business, investing, and achieving a balanced and successful life.

The challenge required each team to pitch a new three-part content series aimed at high school students, covering essential financial and career topics. Ideas included opening a savings account, buying a car, understanding credit versus debit, managing student loans, buying a first house, investing, and workforce advice. These pitches were presented to a panel of CNBC Make It producers, editors, and executives via Zoom on Thursday, July 18th.

Dublin High School's exceptional students – Akshada Dhoke, Akhil Venkatesh, Jasmitha Levey Baskar, Evan Valentine, Riya Kawatra, Siddhi Ananya, Siqi Li, and Sravya Govindaraju – impressed the judges with their presentation entitled "Beyond the Paycheck." Mentored by CNBC Executives Adewale Adekanbi, MC Wellons, and Miranda Quass, their project addressed the critical gap in financial literacy among teenagers and young adults. They developed a compelling three-part video series focusing on financial firsts associated with getting a first job. This initiative is particularly timely, as a recent study revealed that 85% of U.S. high school students are interested in learning about personal finance but lack access to necessary information.

"We are incredibly proud of these students for their dedication and innovative thinking," said one of the CNBC judges. "Their work not only showcases their talent but also addresses a significant need in today's education landscape."

Congratulations to these outstanding students for their remarkable achievement and contribution to financial literacy education.