A local event helped families and students learn about money, careers, and technology in a fun, hands-on way.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A local event in Virginia Beach is helping young people get a head start on something many adults say they wish they had learned earlier: money management.
At Virginia Wesleyan University, students aren’t just sitting in a classroom; they’re learning by doing.
The 3rd InvestaCon, hosted by the Young Investors Group, turns financial lessons into interactive, real-world experiences designed to prepare youth and families for long-term success.
“It’s really about them going out into the community and teaching other kids about finances and technology and what you need to be successful as an adult,” said Katherine Currin, a member of the organization’s advisory board.
Currin says the definition of financial literacy has evolved and now goes far beyond balancing a checkbook.
“In this day and age, you can’t just know how to balance a checkbook or write a check. That’s not enough anymore. You have to know how to go online,” she said. “At the pace that businesses are running these days… you have to understand technology.”
That includes everything from navigating digital banking to understanding artificial intelligence — tools that are becoming essential in everyday financial decisions.
For students like Jasmaine Watson, a computer science and cybersecurity major at Norfolk State University, that connection between money and technology is critical.
“A.I. is growing, and computer science is growing,” Watson said. “So, more people are trying to hack you or get your money… so we need to protect our money.”
Watson says that’s why activities like scam-detection workshops and cybersecurity exercises are key parts of the event, helping participants recognize threats in an increasingly digital world.
High school intern Jordan Taylor says that kind of real-world knowledge is something many students aren’t getting in traditional classrooms.
“Financial literacy isn’t a requirement in a lot of cities,” Taylor said. “You’re sending these kids out after they graduate, and they’re like, ‘OK … what do I do now?’”
Taylor added that events like InvestaCon help bridge that gap by giving students exposure to topics like budgeting, taxes, and even emerging areas like cryptocurrency.
For Ashton Lard, another cybersecurity student at Norfolk State University who helped with the event, even small lessons can have a big impact.
“Just be open to learning new things,” Lard said. “Even though it’s not a lot of information, just a little bit of information can go a long way.”
Organizers say that’s exactly the goal, making financial education approachable, engaging, and relevant to today’s digital landscape.
Through activities like business pitch challenges, FinTech competitions, and interactive workshops, InvestaCon aims to equip young people not just with knowledge, but with confidence.
Currin says giving students hands-on exposure early makes a lasting difference.
“When you’ve played a game with an application or worked through a financial scenario, it makes it much less intimidating,” she said. “They’re learning while they’re having fun.”
Organizers hope that the foundation will translate into smarter financial decisions, stronger career paths, and long-term community impact across Hampton Roads.
InvestaCon is a free, biennial event open to students and families. To learn more about future events or get involved, visit Young Investors Group online.
