On May 1, 2026, Charles Schwab Corp. launched its second annual National Investing Day, a significant initiative aimed at fostering investor education and empowerment among Americans, particularly the youth. This year's celebration was marked by collaboration with industry partners and nonprofit organizations, signifying a concerted effort to bridge the gap in financial literacy that persists in the country.

The premise of National Investing Day is simple yet powerful: while millions of Americans are active participants in the financial markets, many still lack the confidence and resources necessary to see themselves as investors. By expanding access to credible, early education, Charles Schwab aims to help individuals understand the significance of investing and the opportunities it presents for building a secure financial future.

2. Engaging the Next Generation

The centerpiece of this year's National Investing Day was an event hosted at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), where local teens from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and participants in the SIFMA Foundation’s Stock Market Game™ engaged in hands-on learning experiences connected to real-world financial markets. In a ceremonial highlight, Charles Schwab representatives and students from these organizations rang the closing bell at the NYSE.

Rick Wurster, President and CEO of Charles Schwab, emphasized the importance of education in investing. "National Investing Day is about celebrating the power of investing," he stated. "When people have access to educational tools and resources that help them learn about investing, they’ll build confidence and are more likely to stay invested over the long term."

3. Insights from Recent Surveys

Recent data reflected in a survey conducted by Schwab underscores the increasing engagement and necessity for financial literacy among younger demographics. Notably, the findings revealed:

70% of teens expressed a strong interest in investing.

Key motivations for teens to initiate investing included:

45% aiming to increase their financial resources.

34% intending to save for college.

33% wanting to understand how money works and how investments function.

Furthermore, the survey highlighted that 73% of parents of teens believe it is vital for young people to learn about investing, citing reasons such as instilling financial responsibility (69%) and ensuring a robust financial future (64%).

4. Collaborative Efforts and Financial Commitments

This year's National Investing Day initiative received robust support from partners like the SIFMA Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, both of which are dedicated to enhancing financial literacy among youth throughout the year. Notably, Schwab’s long-standing partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America has facilitated the delivery of high-quality financial education through the Money Matters program for over two decades.

In a significant move to bolster youth financial education, the Charles Schwab Foundation announced a multi-million-dollar investment aimed at expanding access to hands-on investing education nationwide. This commitment will enhance the integration of the SIFMA Foundation’s investing education expertise with the Boys & Girls Clubs’ outreach, including the incorporation of the Stock Market Game into the Money Matters curriculum. Over the next three years, Schwab Foundation plans to invest more than $20 million in support of these educational initiatives.

Jim Clark, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, remarked on the importance of these efforts, stating, "Hands-on learning experiences open doors to opportunity by building knowledge, growing real-world skills, and helping kids see what’s possible for their future."

5. Reflecting on Financial Milestones

The timing of National Investing Day coincides with the 50th anniversary of a pivotal moment in financial services—the elimination of fixed commission rates by the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 1, 1975, famously known as "May Day." This historical change paved the way for increased accessibility to investing, a principle that remains at the core of Charles Schwab's mission.

Wurster encapsulated the company's commitment by stating, "Helping more people get invested and stay invested so they can become better off in their financial lives is at the heart of everything we do."

6. Conclusion: A Call to Action

National Investing Day serves as an impactful reminder of the importance of financial education and the potential for individuals to take charge of their financial futures. Schwab encourages all individuals—whether new or seasoned investors—to engage with financial education resources, create financial plans, and initiate discussions about investing within their communities.

As the celebration concluded, Schwab reiterated that investing looks different for everyone and encouraged individuals to take at least one small step toward understanding and participating in the financial markets today.

Original press release