Growth & Jobs | Students gain investment insights during JN Foundation Summer Camp field trip

A group of 15 high school students from across the island got a rare opportunity to explore the world of investing during a field trip to the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), organised by the JN Foundation as part of its recently concluded Financial Academy Summer Camp.

The visit was a key highlight of the three-day virtual summer camp, which was designed to empower youth with real-world financial knowledge and was held under the theme: “Building the Future Business Mogul: Diversifying Income for Wealth Creation.”

Seventeen-year-old Colin Hemmings, a recent Knox College High School graduate, said the experience gave him a new perspective on investing.

“I was surprised about the broad range of companies that you can buy stocks from,” he said. “I even saw Dolphin Cove listed. I didn’t know that. And now I kind of understand the price fluctuations, it’s interesting.”

Colin, who aspires to become a mechanical engineer and real estate entrepreneur, believes the lessons he’s learned will shape his financial future.

“You can’t just stick to a 9-to-5 alone. I want to get as close to wealth as possible,” he added.

Another participant, 16-year-old Kaylia Coombs, said the camp deepened her understanding of how investing builds wealth and influences financial systems.

“I was shocked to hear how much stock investment affects how little taxes billionaires pay compared to those who aren’t rich,” she said. “It made me realise I really should start investing more when I get older.”

Kaylia, who already operates a business, Kit for Kids’, which she started at age nine, to provide hygiene pouches for children, believes the summer camp has reinforced her entrepreneurial mindset.

“If there’s one takeaway, it’s this – invest,” she said. “That’s what stuck with me the most.”

LAUNCHING PAD

Parents also lauded the initiative for its educational value. Monique France, who accompanied her daughter to several sessions, said the experience was enlightening for both of them.

“The summer camp was very informative. I sat in most of the days with my daughter to learn myself because you are never too old to learn,” France said. “She (her daughter) initially signed up for just two days, but by the third day, she asked to continue. That showed me she was genuinely interested. I must commend JN Foundation for this. Not a lot of institutions offer this kind of service, and we will definitely be coming back.”

According to Sydoney Preddie, lead for youth and education programmes at the JN Foundation, the summer camp was created to help young Jamaicans shift their mindset around money. Over 200 students attended the summer camp.

“We want our youth to understand that wealth creation is possible with the right knowledge, planning and discipline,” Preddie explained. “The field trip to the Jamaica Stock Exchange allowed them to see how money can work for them and why it’s important to start thinking early about saving and investing.”

She added, “The feedback from students and parents has been phenomenal. We are proud to play a role in shaping financially savvy, future-ready leaders.”

Preddie said the summer camp was intended to serve as a launching pad for aspiring young entrepreneurs and professionals, giving them the confidence and tools to take control of their financial journeys.