General Program Information

What is the Financial Planning Academy?
The Financial Planning Academy, created by Texas Tech University and funded by the Charles Schwab Foundation, is a summer program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Participants will work in small teams on a financial planning case study, create financial plans, and compete for scholarships and prizes. In addition to promoting financial literacy among America's youth, this camp introduces students to the Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) industry and highlights financial planning as a rewarding career path.

Who is eligible to attend the program?
High school students who are incoming sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

What is the cost of attending?
Day Camps: $150 
Overnight Camps: $250

What is included in the program fee?
Day Camps: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, all activities and programming 
Overnight Camps: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, overnight lodging, evening activities (Welcome Carnival, FPA Olympics, Dave and Buster’s, Leisure Pool, and Etiquette Dinner), and activities and programming

Is there a dress code for the program?
The dress code is casual; shorts, t-shirts, and tennis shoes are acceptable. On the last day of camp, the dress code is business casual or professional (suits, ties, button-ups for gentlemen; blazers, skirts, pants for ladies). All participants will receive a Financial Planning Academy t-shirt upon arrival. Packing information will be available once accepted.

Application Process

How do I apply for the Financial Planning Academy?
Visit this page and select the Partner Univeristy where you want to apply, then click the "Apply today!" to fill out the application form.

What is the application deadline?
April 1, 2025

Do I need any prior knowledge of financial planning to attend?
Absolutely not! We have students from all kinds of backgrounds who attend Financial Planning Academy. It is an invaluable experience with or without prior knowledge of financial planning.

Are there any scholarships or financial aid options available?
Yes. When completing the application, you will have the option to indicate if you require tuition assistance. You will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire, which we will review before notifying you of our decision.

What is the selection process for applicants?
Applications are reviewed every two weeks starting on February 1. You can expect to be notified of your acceptance decision within two weeks of submitting your application.

Program Structure & Activities

What kind of activities will be included?
Please see the schedules for an outline of the week of camp (subject to change).

Are there any guest speakers or industry professionals involved?
There will be professional advisors who will be there throughout camp helping with programming. They are there to answer any questions you may have about financial planning.  

Will I receive a certificate or academic credit for attending?
You will receive a Financial Planning Academy certificate at the end of the week. 

Is participation in all activities mandatory?
Yes. You will be asked to participate in all activities throughout the week to ensure you get the most out of camp. 

Safety & Supervision

What measures are in place to ensure student safety?
Each student will be assigned to a team led by a Student Advisor, who will oversee and support them throughout the week. In addition, a dedicated staff team—including Student Advisors and full-time camp staff—will be present to ensure a safe and secure environment at all times. Campus police are also readily available in case of emergencies.

Will there be adult supervision throughout the program?
Yes. Students will be supervised at all times by full-time camp staff, Student Advisors, and professional advisors, all of whom are committed to providing a safe and structured experience throughout the week.

Are students allowed to leave campus during the program?
Day Camps: No. Once your student has checked in for the day at 8 AM, they cannot check out until camp is over for the day at 5 PM. More details about the check-in and check-out process and time frames will come with your acceptance packets.
Overnight Camps: No. Once you student has checked in on Sunday, they cannot check out until the check-out window on Friday afternoon. More details about the check-in and check-out process and time frames will come with your acceptance packets.