Case Study - The American College – CAAFP Next Gen Career Readiness Program

 
 
 

THE WHO

The Next Gen Career Readiness Program is an initiative by The American College of Financial Services, organized through its Conference of African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP). It aims to increase the representation of Black professionals in the financial services industry by preparing students and early-career professionals for impactful roles.

 

THE CHALLENGE

The American College’s Center for African American Financial Planning (CAAFP) sought to enhance its Next Gen program, which connects college students with career development opportunities, during the annual CAAFP Conference. 

The focus of the gathering was to address current disparities. For example, today, Black Americans are underrepresented in the financial services industry. While Black Americans make up almost 13% of the US population, they make up only 5% of financial professionals.

This underrepresentation is mirrored in the wealth gap between Black and White Americans —the median Black family’s wealth was just $24,100 in 2019, about one-eighth of the $188,200 median wealth of White families.

The goal ahead of the partnership was to increase participation to enlist collegiate participants in the Annual CAAFP Conference while delivering a cohesive program that prepared students for success at the conference, yielding business mentorship, internships, and industry professional development. The American College leadership team recognized the need for a more structured approach to support students before, during, and after the event and help propel them into successful careers in financial services.

 

THE SOLUTION

Reimagine Talent Co. partnered with the American College to develop and facilitate an expanded professional readiness initiative directly empowering 150 college students across the United States.

The three-part hybrid program focused on:

  • Equipping students with tools to effectively prepare for professional networking opportunities.

  • Offering tailored resources to maximize engagement during the conference.

  • Providing structured follow-up to help students translate their experiences into actionable career development steps.

This comprehensive approach balanced pre-conference preparation, real-time engagement, and post-conference reflection while maintaining flexibility to meet student needs.

THE TRANSFORMATION

Students gained confidence in navigating professional environments and leveraging resources for their career journeys.

The collaboration between the American College and Reimagine Talent Co. resulted in a streamlined, impactful program that was well-received by stakeholders and students alike.

 

WHAT OUR PARTNERS ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR WORK

“Working with Reimagine Talent for our 2024 CAAFP NextGen Program was a valuable experience. Chelsea and her outstanding team were exceptional partners. Through thoughtful conversations, excellent client support, and spot-on content and programming, Reimagine Talent helped us expand the program, enriching the lives of the next generation of diverse financial services professionals. We look forward to collaborating with them again in the future!”

-Tori Phillips, Program Director, The American College Center for Economic Empowerment & Equality (December 2024)