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Cooper Medical School of Rowan University’s JUMP High partners with The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation to bring financial literacy curriculum to high school students

October 11

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) is excited to announce a new partnership to bring “Closing the Wealth Gap” to Camden high school students through its Junior Urban Medical Pioneers High School Academy (JUMP High). In collaboration with The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (TMJF) and partner Money Vehicle LLC, up to15 high school seniors and their parents will participate in this comprehensive financial literacy course. The initiative is designed to empower students and their families with the critical financial skills and knowledge needed to build a secure and prosperous future.

Beginning on October 12, 2024, former NFL teammates Malcolm Jenkins and Jedidiah Collins will team up once again to launch the Closing the Wealth Gap financial literacy course, powered by Money Vehicle. The program will be held once a month at CMSRU for two-hour sessions on seven selected Saturdays. Through a train-the-trainer model, the program will be facilitated by CMSRU medical students who have received specialized training and will serve as instructors to effectively deliver the curriculum. The collaboration aligns with CMSRU’s commitment to supporting underrepresented and financially disadvantaged students by equipping them with valuable life skills in addition to scientific and medical education.

The JUMP High program provides mentorship and exposure to healthcare careers for high school students who excel in math and science. Through this partnership, JUMP High is expanding its educational offerings to include financial literacy, addressing a critical need among young adults who are preparing for their futures. The new course will cover key topics such as earning and creating income, planning for the future, understanding credit and debt, investing principles, and navigating financial risks.

“This partnership with The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation represents an exciting expansion of our JUMP High program,” said Guy Hewlett, MD, associate dean for diversity and community affairs at CMSRU. “By providing financial literacy education alongside our traditional science and medical curriculum, we are preparing our students with a holistic set of skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. We are grateful to TMJF and Money Vehicle LLC for their commitment to the Camden community and look forward to a successful collaboration.”

“I’m thrilled to join Cooper Medical School’s efforts in ensuring that JUMP High students are fully prepared for their bright futures by learning how to manage money and build lasting wealth. This partnership will empower them with essential financial skills that will serve them for a lifetime” said Malcolm Jenkins, founder and chairman of TMJF. 

“We are excited to offer a two-generational approach to financial literacy, impacting not only high school students but also their families. By equipping both generations with essential financial knowledge, we are creating a ripple effect that can uplift entire communities. What’s equally exciting is that CMSRU medical students are playing a key role in delivering this program, enhancing their own understanding of financial wellness while developing critical leadership skills. Together, we are building a stronger, more financially resilient future for both students and families,” said Gwendolyn V. Jenkins, president & CEO of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation.

In addition to fulfilling New Jersey’s mandate for 2.5 credits in personal finance, “Money Vehicle is excited to be collaborating with CMRSU and The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation to roll out the Closing the Wealth Gap financial literacy program in the JUMP High program at CMSRU. The goal is to engage students in a curriculum that will begin a financial plan and support CMSRU in bringing life skills to the communities around them,” said Jedidiah Collins, CFP®, CEO & founder of Money Vehicle LLC.