Angel Reese and Magic Johnson Bring Money Smarts to Baltimore Classrooms
*WNBA rising star Angel Reese and NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson have teamed up to launch a new financial literacy program aimed at empowering high school seniors in Baltimore. The initiative, called the “Wealth Playbook,” kicked off in late April at Saint Frances Academy—Reese’s alma mater—with the goal of helping young people build strong financial foundations before graduating high school.
The course includes four sessions designed to cover essential money management topics such as budgeting, credit, saving, and long-term wealth building. According to a May 5 Instagram post from marketing firm Pull Up Neighbors, which is helping lead the initiative alongside Merrill Lynch, the first session was full of energy and purpose, as students engaged with financial tools and strategies that will serve them beyond graduation, according to NewsOne.
Angel Reese Returns to Her Roots to Give Back
Angel Reese, 23, is no stranger to Saint Frances Academy. She attended the independent Catholic high school on scholarship, where she sharpened her basketball skills and began laying the groundwork for her success. Reese went on to star at LSU before being selected as the 7th overall pick by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Reese’s return to Saint Frances for the “Wealth Playbook” project is part of her broader mission to give back to the community that shaped her. In 2023, she donated $12,000 to help cover tuition for players on the school’s girls’ basketball team.
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That same year, she launched the Angel C. Reese Foundation, which focuses on empowering young women and underserved communities through mentorship, education, and access to opportunity.
“I’ve always said I wanted to be more than an athlete,” Reese told local media in a past interview. “Giving back to Baltimore and helping young girls see their worth is part of my purpose.”
Magic Johnson: A Legacy of Economic Empowerment
Magic Johnson, 65, remains one of the most respected figures in sports and community development. The former Los Angeles Lakers star won five NBA championships and three MVP awards during his 13-year career, but it’s his off-court efforts that continue to inspire.
Since 1991, the Magic Johnson Foundation has been leading change across urban communities by improving access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. His focus on breaking cultural barriers and promoting equity makes him an ideal partner for the “Wealth Playbook” program.
From building Starbucks in underserved neighborhoods to investing in urban real estate and healthcare access, Johnson has long prioritized initiatives that uplift and educate marginalized communities. His partnership with Reese signals a powerful generational alliance, combining youth leadership with seasoned wisdom.
Wealth Playbook: Building a Financial Future
The “Wealth Playbook” course is more than just financial literacy—it’s about building lifelong financial confidence. The course will guide students through real-world scenarios they’ll face after high school, including managing their first paycheck, understanding credit scores, and developing a savings plan. The four-part program is being tailored specifically to meet the needs of Baltimore teens who may not otherwise have access to this kind of practical financial education.
Pull Up Neighbors, the marketing firm working with Reese and Johnson, emphasized that the program aims to demystify wealth-building and empower students to take control of their financial futures.
“We want these students to understand that they don’t have to be rich to start making smart financial choices,” said a representative from the firm. “With the right tools and knowledge, they can build wealth over time, and that starts with education.”
Why Financial Literacy Matters—Especially Now
Studies have shown that many high school students graduate without basic financial skills. In a 2023 survey by the National Financial Educators Council, over 75% of teens reported feeling unprepared to manage money as adults. For students in underserved communities, that gap is often even wider.
Programs like “Wealth Playbook” can help close that gap by offering relatable instruction from people students admire and trust. With Reese representing their generation and Magic Johnson offering a lifetime of wisdom, Baltimore teens are getting the rare opportunity to learn from two icons who are passionate about giving back. The course also gives students a space to ask questions, break financial myths, and get real-world advice from mentors who’ve built success through smart decision-making.
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Inspiring the Next Generation
Reese and Johnson hope that this pilot program at Saint Frances Academy will eventually expand to other schools throughout Baltimore and beyond. Their message is clear: understanding money is a superpower—and it’s one that should be accessible to every young person, regardless of background.
For Reese, the program is a full-circle moment. She’s walking the same halls where she once dreamed big, now helping the next generation make those dreams a reality through knowledge and empowerment.
As the “Wealth Playbook” continues, both stars remain committed to mentoring and equipping young people with the financial tools to win—not just on the court, but in life.
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