About The Street Smarts
The Street Smarts (TSS) is a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation dedicated to empowering students of color and underrepresented communities to launch meaningful careers in finance. Founded in December 2016 by Michael D. Campbell, TSS operates as a student-run and student-led organization, providing practical experience, industry mentorship, and direct-placement internships. We recently launched our Value Fund to further support under-resourced students in securing roles within financial services.
Our mission is to bridge the opportunity gap in the financial industry by giving students real access through mentorship, workshops, and hands-on experiences with leading firms like BlackRock, AB Bernstein, and Dimensional Fund Advisors. Being part of The Street Smarts means building resume-worthy experience, developing professional readiness skills, and gaining mentors who invest in your growth. By supporting TSS, you contribute to a stronger, more resilient workforce, expanding potential, and empower future leaders in the global economy.
Our Mission
The Street Smarts (TSS) empowers students through financial education and internships, cultivating a diverse and inclusive community. We equip future leaders for careers in finance driving real-world impact and transforming lives.
Transforming Lives Through Financial Education and Internships
At The Street Smarts (TSS), we are dedicated to empowering students through financial education and internships. Since 2016, we have been on a journey to provide opportunities for students to learn about finance and accounting, and secure internships and jobs in these fields. With a diverse and inclusive community, we have achieved significant milestones and helped students kickstart their careers.
Students Served
Major College Club Partnerships
Years of Helping Students
An informal internship program started at Kingsford Capital under the tutelage of Mike Wilkins, a managing partner.
-Summer of 2014


Founder Michael Campbell started Joyful Noize to help underserved college students discover careers in Finance.
-March 2016
Joyful Noize chooses its first Board of Directors.
-May 2016

Joyful Noize had its first class of 6 interns.
-Summer 2017


Joyful Noize changed its name to The Street Smarts
-December 2017
TSS placed its first accounting interns at PWC.
-June 2018


TSS Junior Board was established
-May 2019
TSS Summer Web Finance was established
-August 2020

