Financial literacy programs and partnerships elevate the power of female philanthropy

By Gabby Welhoelter ’22

On frequent afternoons in the upper school, a group of girls gathers to talk about stocks. Under the mentorship of math teacher Tad Wert, the students research sectors, debate ideas, pitch investment strategies, and vote on whether to buy or sell. The money exchanged is real, and the outcomes are tangible.

This is Harpeth Hall’s investment club, where students learn to navigate financial markets, make informed decisions, and take ownership of their futures.

“The earlier the girls get started on financial literacy, the better,” Mr. Wert said. “The importance of having a personal budget and taking care of your money is a valuable skill.”

The experience is more than an exercise in finance. Guest speakers, often women in finance and investment, bring real-world insights and inspiration. Some students have even started personal portfolios. The club, launched with a seed gift from Sanders and Matt Miller in 2020, has become a model of experiential, student-led learning and a reminder of how far a single investment can go.

That is the power of philanthropy. One gift opened the door, and now students are developing skills that will shape their futures.

At Harpeth Hall, philanthropy is not just a tradition — it’s a lifeline. It allows the school to keep evolving without losing sight of its mission: to educate girls and young women to think critically, lead confidently, and live honorably.

Harpeth Hall’s donors give because they believe in that mission. But, perhaps more importantly, they give because they see results: a new program, a new voice at the table, a new moment of confidence in a young student’s eyes. And Harpeth Hall makes sure its supporters know that their gifts, no matter the size or form, truly matter.

That deep sense of meaning drives a culture of philanthropy built on trust and vision. Philanthropy answers the question: What could be possible for these girls if we had just a little more? And time and again, the Harpeth Hall community has stepped up to say: Let’s find out.

This is especially clear in the school’s growing emphasis on financial literacy, a strategic priority that reflects both Harpeth Hall’s values and donors’ aspirations for today’s girls.

In the investment club, students have “bought really good stocks and not-so-good stocks,” Mr. Wert said. “It doesn’t matter if one group led us to a bad investment; the whole club voted on it. The importance comes from learning from our mistakes.”

In the coming year, the school will begin weaving financial education into middle school math through a new 7th grade stock market project. Enrichment opportunities for 7th and 8th grade students will provide additional exposure to personal finance concepts. Through these programs, girls will build foundational life skills, which, over time, can lead to a world of possibilities in entrepreneurship, business leadership, and overall financial wellness.

“This concept of financial wellness is critical for women,” said Elizabeth Townsend Ecker ’00, director of the middle school, “and the habits and skills that will ultimately foster financial wellness can and should be cultivated early.”

Supporting a curriculum like this doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because someone believed in the idea and chose to make it real.

Historically, women have been less likely to give to their alma maters than men, often prioritizing causes over institutions. But as Head of School Jess Hill noted, Harpeth Hall is seen as both.

“I think we are fortunate,” Mrs. Hill said, “ because I believe that our alumnae see an all-girls endeavor and a school like Harpeth Hall as a cause as well as an institution. It continues to be an important mission to provide this environment for girls and young women.”

Alumnae participation in Annual Fund giving continues to grow, a meaningful signal that Harpeth Hall graduates see the school’s success as part of their own legacy.

“It warms my heart to witness our alumnae giving back to their alma mater,” Director of Alumnae Relations Scottie Fillebrown Coombs ’78 said. “The ‘Heart the Hall’ Day of Giving theme perfectly reflects the love and devotion they feel for the school. Each gift of support we receive reinforces the strength and impact of those connections.”

Philanthropy at Harpeth Hall extends far beyond dollars. Each year, the school benefits from the support of hundreds of volunteers who serve on Annual Fund committees, alumnae councils and committees, and parents association committees.

Their time and enthusiasm are vital to community building and fundraising goals. Whether parents, grandparents, or alumnae, they provide testimony to the lifelong impact of a Harpeth Hall education — and to the importance of continuing that impact for generations of girls to come.

It is easy to assume that a place as strong, established, and beloved as Harpeth Hall might no longer need support. Yet, continued excellence requires continued investment. Tuition alone does not cover the full cost of a Harpeth Hall education.

Supporting clubs, inviting renowned guest speakers to campus, and remaining nimble in an ever-changing world — none of it is possible without ongoing support.

So why does philanthropy matter? Because it is how a community says: We believe in this place. We believe in what it stands for. And we believe in the girls who walk its halls.

At Harpeth Hall, what begins as an idea backed by a thoughtful donation becomes a thriving part of the student experience. It opens doors. It turns potential into opportunity. And that momentum continues to grow, just like the investment club’s portfolio — and just like our community’s investments in our girls.