Students learn a great deal during their time in high school, but textbooks and classroom lessons can only take them so far. The most valuable learning often comes from hands-on opportunities.
At Central Bucks High School West in Doylestown, students running the Bucks Finance Club noted how many of their peers were interested in investing. The group decided to create a nonprofit to help give students the ability to learn more.
Bucks Capital is a student-managed investment fund that provides participants with the chance to gain investment experience using real money.
Students gain real-world knowledge in market analysis, key investment principles, budgeting, and portfolio strategy, guided by an experienced advisory board of finance professionals.
The fund is currently led by five seniors: Chief Operating Officer Aadi Anantuni, Chief Financial Officer Harrison Cornwell, Chief Investment Officer Zahin Mulji, Chief Technology Officer Shreyas Raju, and Chief Marketing Officer Priyansh Patel.
Patel noted that their business teacher, Martin Meo, has been key to helping get the program running.
“From the very beginning, he has shown us unwavering support and guidance throughout the entire process. Mr. Meo taught us an invaluable lesson: to stay persistent and never give up,” Patel said.
Bucks Capital currently manages two portfolios: one focused on macro and the other on equities. High school juniors Abhinav Medi and Jackson Hornick manage them, respectively, with support from two teams of six analysts.
Their advisory board is currently made up of several professionals from both financial and educational backgrounds. These include Economics Teacher Nicholas Allgyer from CB West; Financial Services Representative and Advisor Dan Pfieffer; Financial Custodians Trevor Fennimore and Imaan Mulji from Bucks Capital; and Chris Meister, Senior Vice President at Univest Financial.
Through the nonprofit, the members and executive board have managed to expand their own understanding of business and leadership, giving them opportunities to grow.
“Managing real money and collaborating with a team has taught us what accountability really looks like. We have learned that good leadership comes down to teamwork, making decisions together and keeping everyone on the same page,” Patel said. “Bucks Capital has pushed us to think critically, make decisions under pressure and approach business with a mix of logic and responsibility.”
Patel and his team hope that students who participate can walk away feeling more confident in their investment skills and gain an understanding of how to make the best-informed financial decisions.
“We believe the best way to improve financial literacy is through experience, in ways that make a real difference for them and the community,” said Patel.
Bucks Capital is seeking donations from individuals to help provide resources, investment capital and training to their group. Those interested in donating can visit their GoFundMe.
Students from Central Bucks High School West who are interested in applying to join can learn more at Bucks Capital and on the nonprofit’s Instagram.
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