Merrill Wealth Management and IMG Academy have forged a unique three-year partnership, aiming to enhance financial awareness among student-athletes and their families. This initiative, unlike any other, is designed to provide actionable financial education that can guide IMG Academy student-athletes not only during their student-athlete journey but also in their future lives.
Under this partnership, Merrill Advisors, renowned for their financial acumen, will deliver specialized personal financial education to IMG Academy student-athletes and families. The curriculum, which incorporates Bank of America’s Better Money Habits, covers a range of topics including the basics of savings and spending, introduction to credit, and general investing information from Merrill.
Speaking on the collaboration, Greg McGauley, Head of Merrill Private Wealth Management, International and Institutional Groups, said:
Athletes today are navigating an increasingly complex financial landscape and are expected to make decisions at an early age that can have a significant impact on their futures. That is why this partnership with IMG Academy is so important and timely. It offers students and their parents the education and resources to help them make informed financial decisions now and in the future.
IMG Academy’s intentional and unparalleled focus on holistic personal development sets it apart from any other education brand or institution worldwide. It is the only prep school in the world with a dedicated staff of more than 100 specialists focused specifically on intentional personal development in the areas of leadership, mental performance, nutrition, communication, and sports science. Its boarding school and digital tools, NCSA College Recruiting and IMG Academy+, assist in placing over 30,000 student-athletes on college athletic rosters each year.
Brent Richard, CEO of IMG Academy, added:
Given the modern high school and collegiate student-athlete landscape, developing financial literacy at a younger age is becoming increasingly important. Establishing a partnership that provides our student-athletes and their families with financial resources and knowledge is another significant addition to our holistic education curriculum and only further increases the value of an IMG Academy education.
The financial education programme will be available to students and their families at IMG Academy’s on-site boarding school in Bradenton, Fla., and through its online course, IMG Academy+. The curriculum, set to launch during the 2024/2025 academic year, includes educational sessions, campus-wide assemblies, self-study materials, and one-on-one meetings with Merrill advisors for students and families.
