2026 marks the third year since the Ross Roeder Institute’s (RRI’s) founding back in 2023. Since then, the institute has grown to teach Shorecrest students, grades PK-12, important real-world lessons in the vast world of business and finance. 

     For Upper School students, currently, the RRI hosts the financial literacy club, finance-based electives, lectures from business experts and more. The RRI also plans to expand the program in the future.

     Some believe the RRI’s programs are only intended for students who plan on pursuing business in college and adult life; however, the concepts it teaches can be found in nearly all career paths.

     “Everything is a business. Everything you ultimately do, no matter what you do, will somehow involve business. You also have to do things like pay rent and pay bills; finance is really just a part of life,” said Director of the Ross Roeder Institute Earl Walton.

     The term “financial literacy” specifically refers to the understanding of the “language of finance” through the use of different skills, such as budgeting, purchasing or making investments. Such skills could be more than beneficial for those who seek to build their wealth. 

     Students who see involvement in a finance elective or club as intimidating have other options to explore business with the RRI. One of these options is the “Warren Workshop,” when on select days of the year, guest speakers who are knowledgeable in economics and finance share what they know with students through engaging lectures and hands-on activities. 

     Recently, the workshops were hosted by international business professionals teaching attendees about the challenges that come with conducting business with foreign nations and how to succeed in such a space. 

     The RRI continues to offer these programs to emphasize that financial literacy is a foundational skill for every student. “If you’re someone who says, ‘I’m not very interested in this stuff,’ you’re probably the one who needs to know it the most,” said Walton.