SHINE Academy Goes Live, Offering Tools for Financial Independence

SHINE Academy Logo

New Haven, CT – In a city where financial struggles often keep families trapped in cycles of debt and instability, Wealth Beacon Group Foundation (WBG) is stepping up to provide a lifeline of financial empowerment. Their latest initiative, SHINE Academy, is designed to equip individuals with the tools they need to take control of their finances, break free from economic hardship, and build a stable future.

For Amir and Yvette Glenn, co-founders of WBG, this mission is deeply personal. Over a decade ago, both attended financial literacy classes that changed the course of their lives. Amir recalls sitting in his first class, realizing how much he didn’t know about managing money, saving, and budgeting. “That class put me on the path I’m on today—it helped me buy my first home, build wealth, and ultimately, create an organization that gives others the same opportunity.”

For Yvette, financial education was just as transformative. She remembers learning fundamental financial strategies that shaped her approach to money management, one of the most impactful being the snowball method for eliminating debt. “Understanding how to prioritize and pay off debt gave me control over my financial future. Once I saw that I could eliminate small debts first and use that momentum to tackle larger ones, everything started to change,” she explains.

Now, Amir, Yvette, and WBG are ensuring that others in Greater New Haven have access to the same life-changing education. SHINE Academy, in partnership with ACT-CT’s Money School, officially launched on March 11th, offering a 12-class series covering personal finance, budgeting, debt management, and credit repair. The program runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, providing free, practical financial education to those who need it most.

Why Financial Literacy Matters Now More Than Ever

The need for financial literacy in Greater New Haven has never been more urgent. A 2023 study found that nearly 40% of Americans struggle to cover a $400 emergency expense, and in cities like New Haven—where rising rents and inflation put added pressure on working families—the financial challenges are even more dire.

“The problem isn’t that people don’t want to save or build wealth—it’s that they were never taught how,” says Amir. “I know this firsthand. Over a decade ago, I had no financial knowledge, no plan, no real understanding of how money worked. That class changed everything for me, and now, SHINE Academy is here to do the same for others.”

Through interactive lessons, real-world financial strategies, and a supportive learning environment, SHINE Academy is helping residents take control of their financial future. From learning how to build an emergency fund to repairing credit and managing debt, the program is designed to empower people with knowledge that will serve them for life.

A Movement Toward Economic Empowerment

WBG’s vision for SHINE Academy extends beyond the classroom. Amir, Yvette, and their team see this as a movement—a way to create lasting change in the community by giving people the tools to break generational cycles of financial struggle.

“People don’t just need a handout; they need a hand up,” says Yvette. “When you teach someone how to manage their money, you’re not just helping them—you’re helping their families, their children, and generations to come. This is how we build a stronger community.”

With limited spots available, WBG is urging residents to sign up now and take advantage of this life-changing opportunity.

For more information and to enroll, visit https://www.wealthbeacon.org/shineacademy.