Fearless girls! Garrison Forest School’s Real World Finance club, sponsored by the Boyce Center for Learning and Thriving, visited the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and JPMorgan Chase in NYC last week where they got to be on the floor of the NYSE, witness the closing bell and hear from alumnae Kit Jackson '83, Angele Seriki '07, Kate Schroeder O'Neill '93 and Amie Boyce James '70 about their careers in finance. 

Students have been learning about the stock exchange through the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Foundation’s The Stock Market Game, a hands-on, online simulation of the global capital markets that engages students in the world of economics, investing and personal finance.

Club Advisor, Math Teacher and organizer of the trip Jenn Yapsuga said, “I am very passionate about girls' math education and continue to champion efforts to expose them to STEM careers. Visiting New York with the Real World Finance Club was a true highlight of my teaching career, offering students an invaluable glimpse into the financial world. Our visit to JPMorgan Chase and the NYSE allowed them to connect with alumnae thriving in the industry and experience the energy of the trading floor firsthand. I believe this experience has sparked inspiration in many students to pursue careers in finance.”

Director of the Boyce Center for Learning and Thriving Shannon Schmidt agreed, reflecting, “The Boyce Center was proud to support this incredible enrichment experience, giving our students the opportunity to explore their interests in business and finance. The trip provided a unique chance to learn from Garrison alumnae who are thriving in the financial world. Their advice resonated deeply: do what you love, surround yourself with great people and remember that relationships are your currency. These impressive women spoke of the lasting impact of a Garrison Forest education—the curiosity, bravery, and spirit they developed here have fueled their success in the workplace and beyond. Experiences like this are at the heart of the Boyce Center’s mission, empowering our girls through hands-on opportunities that ignite their passions and help them grow into their best selves.”

A huge thank you to a generous donor, faculty and staff, alumnae and the organizations that made this trip possible!

See more photos from the trip below.