Pacific Life LIFEvest Program
Now in its fourth year, the Clayton State University College of Business celebrates its growing partnership with the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine—an alliance that continues to expand opportunities, deepen impact, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
SUMMER 2026 APPLICATIONS OPEN JANUARY 2026
Clayton State University has entered into an agreement with the Center for Investment and Wealth Management to bring a residential financial literacy program to life. Guided by the University of California, Irvine’s School of Business—the parent organization of this initiative—our campus will benefit from their expertise and leadership as we launch this transformative program. With the first two years of funding generously provided by UCI, the Pacific Life LIFEvest Program is designed to equip high school students from underserved communities with financial literacy and essential life skills, motivating and inspiring them to become the first in their families to attend and graduate college (#firstgen).
Below, hear from Kara Duckworth, a key stakeholder in the LIFEvest initiative, as she shares the program’s vision, goals, and the meaningful impact it is creating.
This FREE, week-long summer program aims to strengthen student understanding of financial matters, provide exposure to a college campus, encourage admission to a college or university, explore various career fields, teach social etiquette skills, and inspire confidence and success in all areas of life. The program will alternate between hosting male female participants each summer.
We are excited to partner with local school systems to engage students early and provide access to LIFEvest’s financial literacy opportunities. To make it easy to share with your schools and communities, a full marketing kit—including flyers, sample emails, and social media graphics—will be available for download.
Who We’re Looking For
Motivated high school students who are:
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Rising freshmen or sophomores (current 8th–10th graders)
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First-generation college-bound (no parent/guardian with a 4-year degree)
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Curious about the basics of financial literacy (budgeting, saving, credit, investing)
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Ready for college prep (study skills, campus life, planning, mentorship)
Ideal Candidate Traits:
Growth-minded • Team player • Willing to learn • Reliable attendance • Open to mentorship
You’ll Get:
Hands-on money lessons, college-knowledge workshops, a week on campus, and mentors
who want to see you win.
How to Build a Meaningful Life Plan by
Creating Lasting Financial and Educational Goals
The Pacific Life LIFEvest Financial Literacy Program, hosted by the Center for Investment and Wealth Management at the UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business, is extending its reach to the East
coast with a weeklong, on-campus program dedicated to helping underserved 9th and
10th grade students from Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties. The program,
now in its 9th year, is designed for high school students who have the potential to
be first generation college students. The program strives to strengthen an understanding
in financial matters, expose students to a college campus, encourage admission to
a college or university, explore various career fields, teach social etiquette skills,
and inspire confidence and success in all areas of life.
Involvement Opportunities
Every donation directly funds LIFEvest student scholarships. Our vision is to build an endowment and secure multi-year commitments from donors, ensuring that at least 100 students each year have access to this life-changing program. With your support, we can empower teens to design a brighter future, equipping them to set lasting financial and educational goals that lead to a meaningful life plan.
Program Impact
The LIFEvest Financial Literacy Summer Residential Program at Clayton State University equips rising 9th and 10th grade students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds with the skills and confidence to manage their personal finances, prepare for college, and pursue financial independence. Since 2022, the program has hosted nearly 200 students across metro Atlanta, providing a week-long, college-campus experience that blends classroom instruction, site visits, mentorship, and hands-on activities. With a mission to close educational gaps and inspire leadership, LIFEvest fosters long-term impact through alumni engagement, mentorship opportunities, and community support—all made possible by the generosity of donors and volunteers
Click Here to View our Impact Report
Parent Testimonials
My daughter is Raquel Ornelas and she participated in LIFEvest about 4 years ago. Since then Raquel was awarded a 4-year scholarship for high school over 200k! She still remembers the program and will take about it to friends from time to time. I myself believe that this is a great course for teenagers. – Juana O.
The UCI LIFEvest Financial Literacy “blessed” my daughter Malia with incredible and priceless information and most of all, great insight into the financial industry. We are grateful! – Gale N.
Student Testimonials
Participants were asked "What are the top 3 things you learned from the Financial Literacy Program and how have they helped you?" Their responses were truly phenomenal and can be found below!
"I learned about stocks and bonds and how to handle a business of my own. This program has helped train me to own my own business as well as how to build a strong relationship with the people you work with. You can't just show up to work and not interact with other employees, you have to show up and treat others with respect so that you can still operate your business successfully." - LIFEvest student participant
"I learned to develop better speaking skills during the time that I was there and now I'm able to present in front of groups without being timid. I also learned how to work better in teams. The group project that we worked on helped me get a better understanding of how to manage a group, the time, and share responsibilities to get the job done. All these things that I learned have helped me become a better developed student." - LIFEvest student participant
"I learned many things from the Financial Literacy Program that have currently helped me in many ways. One of the biggest things I learned at this program that will always stay with me is that it doesn't matter what situation you come from, if you have the willpower and put effort into everything you do, you can accomplish almost anything. Hearing other people's stories have really encouraged me and have made me work harder towards my dreams." - LIFEvest student participant
"I learned many things in this program, but three of the things I will never forget is increasing my confidence, learning how to handle money ,and knowing my limits." - LIFEvest student participant