Financial Services Investing in Racial Diversity
Now is the time to Act.
Join The American College of Financial Services as we work to expand racial diversity in financial services, and support communities of color through the knowledge and leadership of our graduates.
"Part of the challenge for the Black community is an economic issue. We have to help them, and we can do that with knowledge." – George Nichols III, President and CEO
One of the biggest challenges facing the financial services profession is a profound lack of racial diversity. 13.4 percent of the U.S. population is African American, yet only five percent of financial advisors are Black. Within the fundraising profession, the percentage grows only slightly to 7.7 percent.
This lack of diversity contributes to minority communities not only being under-represented in the professions, but also underserved in the areas of financial and philanthropic planning. This can lead to negative financial outcomes for individuals, families, and local communities. As the demographics in the United States shift, the face of the professions needs to change to support the needs of diverse communities.
The American College believes the financial services and fundraising professions must make a concerted effort to recruit, educate, place, and support thousands more African American advisors. Together, with individual donors, foundations, and partners, The College is investing in programs and partnerships that will lead to an increase in African American financial professionals and strengthen the financial health of communities of color.
We invite your participation, partnership, and support.
The American College online community platform fosters alumni engagement, interactions with partners, and opportunities for public participation. The community platform supports the African American Advisors Community through message boards, mentorship opportunities, virtual study groups, social media communications feeds, and events. Stay tuned for the launch of the community platform on August 4. Email Tayller Marcee so you can receive updates about the community and The College.
The Conference of African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP) is the largest conference of African American financial professionals in the country. Through the CAAFP The American College promotes lifelong learning, mentorship, networking, and community-building.
The American College offers scholarships to African American students pursuing careers in financial services and philanthropy.
Contributions to The American College African American Advisors Fund or the African American Scholarship Fund are investments in the lives of our students, advisors, and the communities they serve. With your support, and together, we will change lives!
TESTIMONIALS
The impact those designations I earned have had on my career is substantial. The knowledge I have gained enables me to be a better advisor to my clients. Having that knowledge is, I think, the reason why I’m still in the business, to be quite honest.
– Lee Bethel, CLU®, ChFC®, REBC®, RHU®, ChHC®, CAP®, AIF®, CPFA, CASL
To me, diversity is so important and so needed in the financial services industry. The fact that The American College has afforded me this opportunity is incredible. I will use my designation to better serve all the clients at Mitlin Financial.
– Jorrell Bland, African American Scholar and CFP® student