Founded by Florida-based financial advisor Jason Chepenik, the Smarter Tomorrow Foundation™ is on a mission to give every kid from every community a fair shot at a strong financial future. By spearheading initiatives that promote financial education for the next generation, we will empower kids everywhere to take charge of their finances and their life.
Launched in 2015, the 4.01k Race for Financial Fitness™ is run in cities around the country, with all proceeds donated to a local organization that provides educational workshops or seminars about financial literacy services for kids.
joined the race
runners and walkers
stepped up
donated to local financial literacy programs
Proceeds from the 4.01k Race for Financial Fitness™ have supported the following local organizations and programs.
Money Matters promotes financial responsibility and independence among Club members ages 13 to 18. Participants learn how to manage a checking account, create a budget, save and invest, start small businesses and pay for college. A recent evaluation of 1,600 teens from more than 100 Boys & Girls Clubs demonstrated the Money Matters program helped them become smarter about money. Youth showed improvement on 94% of survey questions asked before and after taking the program in their Club.
Targeted to students in grades 3-5, JA More than Money introduces students to financial literacy and entrepreneurship, and to social studies learning objectives that include money-management skills, goods and services, and global markets. Through hands-on activities and a JA cast of characters serving as symbols for financial literacy and entrepreneurship concepts, students will learn a practical approach to starting a business and making smart decisions about managing money.
Targeted to students in grades 6 - 8, JA Finance Park is a month-long program that introduces students to personal financial planning and career exploration. At the culmination of this teacher-led program, students visit JA Finance Park, a realistic on-site or virtual community, to put into practice what they've learned by developing and committing to a personal budget.
Targeted to students in grades 9 - 12, JA Personal Finance explores the fundamental elements of personal finances: earnings, saving and investing, budgeting, credit, risk management, and giving. Students apply these elements to a personal financial plan that allows them to set specific goals for their lifelong financial needs and desired quality of life.
Too many young people aren’t learning basic financial literacy at school, at home or anywhere else. The Smarter Tomorrow Foundation™ is committed to expanding financial education because the future of our kids—and the communities, cities and country they will lead one day—depends on it.
President of Bukaty Companies Financial Services and Resources Investment Advisors, Inc.
Managing Partner, Chepenik Financial
Founder, Chepenik Financial
Founder at Economic Recovery Group, LLC