Santa Monica Foundation Launches Student Investment Club to Teach Real-World Finance

The Santa Monica Education Foundation launched the Samohi Student Investment Club at its eleventh annual wine auction on May 4, 2026, giving high school students hands-on experience managing a real investment portfolio.

The event, held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows, drew about 400 community leaders, donors, and supporters and raised more than $400,000 for local public schools.

Students in the club will research investment opportunities, develop strategies, and make decisions under the guidance of the Foundation's Investment Committee. Returns from the student-managed portfolio will go toward the Foundation's Arts and Athletics Endowments, creating a direct link between financial education and school funding.

The program also supports the development of a permanent Athletics Endowment, which has already secured more than $500,000 in gifts and commitments. A community event during Samohi Homecoming is planned to raise additional funds.

Foundation leaders said the initiative is designed to build financial literacy while also contributing to sustainable funding for programs that benefit the wider school community. Students will gain experience with concepts including portfolio diversification, risk assessment, and long-term investing.

The wine auction featured tastings from local restaurants and wineries, along with performances by student musicians from the Samohi Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band.

The launch comes during a period of growing national focus on financial literacy. The U.S. Treasury Department held a Financial Literacy Month roundtable in May 2026, and the Financial Literacy and Education Commission is updating the national strategy for financial education.