Magic Johnson and Angel Reese have launched Wealth Playbook, a new financial literacy program for high school seniors in Baltimore. The program aims to teach students how to manage money and build long-term wealth.
The initiative is a partnership between the Angel Reese Foundation, the Magic Johnson Foundation, and Pull Up Neighbor, a marketing and advertising firm focused on community outreach.
Bringing Financial Education to Baltimore Classrooms
The four-session program began last week at Saint Frances Academy, Reese’s former high school, in collaboration with wealth management giant Merrill Lynch. In the first session, students learned about key financial topics, such as budgeting, understanding credit, and basic money management skills.
“The room was filled with energy, knowledge, and purpose. Students learned about budgeting, credit, and how to take control of their financial futures,” read the organizations’ joint Instagram statement. “This isn’t just a program—it’s the start of a movement.”
A Local Connection with Deep Roots
Born and raised in Randallstown, Maryland, Angel Reese has maintained strong ties to her community and former school. In 2023, she donated $12,000 to support tuition for a student on the girls’ basketball team at Saint Frances Academy— a gesture inspired by her own experience receiving similar support during high school.
The Angel C. Reese Foundation, launched in 2023, focuses on creating opportunities for girls and underrepresented communities through education, mentorship, and sports. Saint Frances Academy served as the foundation’s launch site and remains central to its mission.
Leveraging Star Power
Magic Johnson has long been active in supporting underserved communities. He founded the Magic Johnson Foundation in 1991 to improve access to education, health services, and economic opportunities. Today, his foundation is backed in part by Magic Johnson Enterprises, which invests in initiatives that uplift ethnically diverse urban communities.
According to Forbes, Johnson’s net worth has grown from $40 million in 1991 to $1.5 billion in 2025, having built his wealth through his 60% ownership stake in life insurance company Equitrust and several joint ventures.
Image credits: Ally Green/Teen Vogue and Shayan Asgharnia/August Images
