Four Stories, Four Paths: Meet Grace

The Citi Foundation "Pathways to Progress Impact Video Series" demonstrates the impact of its U.S. program through the compelling stories of four young people who have participated in the initiative's four core program paths: civic engagement, entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and summertime employment.

Whenever I got money as a gift or an allowance, I immediately spent it on the things I wanted, like clothes or a trip to the movies. I never thought about saving for my future. If I had 20 dollars in my wallet, that meant I had 20 dollars to spend.

My experience with Summer Jobs Connect taught me the value of managing my money. I was able to set up my first bank account and I'll never forget the day my first paycheck was deposited. A percentage automatically went to my new savings account. It made me feel so proud and in control of the decisions I was making about my money

What you don't get to see in my video: Being able to watch my savings grow made me want to spend it less. When I did use my money, I spent it on things for my family like groceries and school supplies for my brother, instead of on shoes and jewelry. My priorities shifted.

Now I understand that having 20 dollars in my wallet (or bank account) today means I have 20 dollars to save for tomorrow.

Pathways to Progress is the Citi Foundation's approach to providing youth with the career readiness tools and opportunities needed to thrive in the 21st century economy. In 2014, as part of our Pathways to Progress approach, the Citi Foundation made a three-year, $50 million commitment to boost the career readiness of 100,000 low-income youth in 10 cities across the United States.