Read
Empowering students through financial education
and community building
Join us in creating a brighter future for our students.
Empower
Transforming Lives Through Financial Education and Internships
Founded in December 2016 by Michael D. Campbell, The Street Smarts (TSS) is a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation committed to helping students of color and underrepresented communities forge meaningful careers in finance. As a student-run and student-led organization, TSS focuses on delivering practical experience, vital industry mentorship, and direct-placement internships. To deepen our impact, we recently launched our Value Fund, specifically designed to support under-resourced students on their path to securing roles in financial services.
The Street Smarts was created to close the persistent gap between driven students and the often elusive opportunities within the financial industry. We are dedicated to providing real access—through comprehensive mentorship, impactful workshops, and hands-on experiences with leading firms. Our programs connect students directly with professionals from esteemed organizations such as BlackRock, AB Bernstein, and Dimensional Fund Advisors, offering invaluable exposure to the industry and the confidence needed to navigate it successfully.
Our Journey
Experience the growth and success of our diverse and inclusive community through our specially designed timeline.
Milestones
Discover the significant achievements of our students and the impact of our programs.
Discover Exciting Internship Opportunities for Underprivileged Students
FEATURED: Impact Investing meets Private Equity: the next trend in value creation and AUM?
Exploring the Synergy Between Impact Investing and Private Equity to Shape the Future of Asset Management.
What we do at The Street Smarts
Learn how The Street Smarts empowers students through financial education and internships.
Learn how YOU and Sponsers can help up
Learn how you can make a difference by volunteering or sponsoring The Street Smarts.
Read one of our Articles!
Learn the importance of diversity in finance and how our financial literacy program has helped
Photo Gallery
Explore our vibrant student activities and financial education sessions.
"If you want to find an inclusive community in finance, then TSS is the place to be. I accidentally stumbled upon TSS by signing up for an event I didn't even attend. However, it was one of the best accidents that happened. I found a community of young aspiring professionals who just want to give back to the community and grow. I even met some of them in Southern California and New York. Everyone is dedicated and friendly. Michael, the CEO, has unlimited energy and passion for the students and only wants the best for them."
- David Hui
Corporate FP&A Analyst at The Walt Disney Company
“I first met Michael in 2017 at The Latinos in Finance Bootcamp in San Francisco. I learned much from the three internships I acquired through The Street Smarts. I was first at Penserra Securities in Orinda, California. I then spent two summers at Kingsford Capital Management in Point Richmond. I learned so much from Mike Wilkins and his team. I went on to graduate from UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business. I then started my professional career as an Investment Banking analyst with Goldman Sachs in San Franciso for 2 years. I recently moved to NYC as an Equity Researcher at Valor Equity Partners.”
- Luis Cortes Reyes
Equity Researcher at Valor Equity Partners
"Some mornings, I spent reading and analyzing various stock reports. Based on my teaching from Mike, I learned to see discrepancies in these reports. Once identified, it would trigger red flags that this company was outside the standard business practices and norms for conducting this type of business. The underperforming or overvalued stocks were prime candidates for Kingsford Capital to deploy its unique way of playing the stock market. Kingsford is the “Shorts” market."
- Casey Roquemore
.jpg)
"It was imperative that I learned how to take in information. I learned to process and utilize it quickly to meet the firm's goals. I learned about stocks, ROI, and capital markets; the list is endless. These are opportunities in the Finance field that I never would have had access to if it wasn’t for Mike and Kingsford Capital."
- Khari Campbell-Wright
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about getting involved with TSS.
How can I volunteer?
To volunteer with The Street Smarts, feel free to contact us.
How can I donate?
To make a donation to TSS, you can visit our donation page and scan the QR code on the page to begin donating
How can I get involved?
There are tons of ways to get involved, you can donate, visit our workshops, and even join the team.
What is TSS's mission?
TSS's mission is to empower students through financial education and internships. We believe that every student should have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in the finance and accounting industry.
How can I apply?
To apply for an internship or job placement with TSS, please contact us with the contact button below.
Empower
Get in Touch
TSS uses social media to help engage youth worldwide with its programs, including guest speaker workshops, financial education programs, and live events. Active posting about these events helps to inform youth about opportunities for growth while providing a platform for them to enhance their understanding of financial careers. Students interested in learning more can find TSS active on Linkedin, Instagram, and Facebook.