Mission Statement

Empowering Youth with Financial Literacy

Financial literacy isn't a given – it's a privilege withheld from too many. Minorities and underprivileged youth face staggering disparities in financial education, setting them on a path of disadvantage from the very start.

PopStock, a software development company, is here to change that trajectory. Our mission is to empower America's underprivileged youth with the financial knowledge they need to succeed. We believe that learning about money shouldn't be boring or inaccessible.

Our free-to-use software bridges the gap, cleverly merging pop culture icons loved by young people with a stock market simulation tool. With PopStock, complex financial concepts become engaging and relatable. Our goal is to see this groundbreaking software in classrooms and alternative learning programs across the nation, transforming the financial futures of our most underserved communities.
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Popstock Impact

Empowering Underserved Youth Through Financial Education

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Underserved communities in America often face significant barriers when it comes to financial education

  • PopStock aims to break down those barriers by providing an accessible and engaging way for young people to learn the ins and outs of the stock market.
  • Through its fun, pop-culture-driven approach, it takes a complex topic and makes it less intimidating.
  • By offering a safe, simulated environment to experiment and learn, PopStock builds confidence in these young people, equipping them with financial skills they can carry with them throughout their lives.
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The ability to understand investing strategies opens doors to wealth generation, potentially breaking cycles of poverty

  • PopStock fosters financial empowerment, giving underserved youth tools to take control of their financial futures. It even has the potential to ignite an entrepreneurial spirit.
  • By connecting the concept of investing to the world of music and popular culture, young people can learn about businesses and consider the possibility of becoming stakeholders themselves.
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Long-term, the impact of PopStock extends far beyond specific investing tactics

  • The financial literacy it fosters translates into better financial decision-making throughout life. This could mean more economic stability, improved job prospects, effective debt management, and a healthier relationship with savings.
  • Ultimately, projects like PopStock can play a vital role in addressing systemic wealth disparities. By empowering underserved youth with essential financial knowledge, we work towards building a more equitable and just society for everyone.

PopStock Insights

Popstock Educational Services company background

PopStock Educational Services was born from the lived experience of our founder. Raised in poverty in the inner city of Buffalo, he understands the desperation and lack of opportunity that can push young people into risky or harmful situations. Driven by that understanding, and fueled by a transformative mentorship experience, he escaped that cycle through education and the power of acquiring life-changing skills.

The seed for PopStock was planted during a pivotal moment of choice: facing either violence or pursuing a different path amidst hardship. The drive that helped him succeed in obtaining his GED, becoming a single parent, and ultimately founding his own company was sparked by a supportive mentor. That experience revealed the difference a caring guide and access to the right knowledge can make.

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Why PopStock Matters

Unlocking Potential: The Importance of PopStock

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Breaking Cycles of Poverty

We believe all youth deserve the chance to break cycles of poverty and build brighter futures. The lessons our founder learned the hard way – about taking responsibility, working hard, and making smart choices – should not be limited to the lucky few. That's the driving force behind PopStock.

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Music Meets Finance for Youth Empowerment

Our unique approach combines the captivating world of music with the principles of the stock market, making complex financial concepts accessible and engaging. PopStock is designed to ignite potential, giving young people the tools to understand investing, build wealth, and envision themselves as active participants in the economy.

Meet Our Team

Founding Members

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Mike Helwig

Chairman,
Founder

Mike is a Buffalo native with 26 years of experience across a range of diligences, including software, hardware, and support. He holds multiple degrees, including Computer Science, Information Systems, and Psychology. Over the span of his extensive IT career, he has filled numerous mission-critical roles, including break-fix services, management, software development, and solutions architecture.

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Woo Lee

Board member,
Co-Founder

Woo is a Healthcare Management and Family Science professional. Over his career, he has led multiple catalyst projects in healthcare systems, from a non-profit health center to healthcare management firms specializing in hospital, outpatient, and home health. During his after hours he dedicates his time advocating for equity and diversity work in the Asian American communities, mainly active in Atlanta, Twin Cities, and Dallas. Some of this work consists of teaching the Korean language and its culture, conducting dementia programs for Asian seniors and their families, advocacy for Asian-American voter registration, and more.

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Mariah Soulignavong

Board member,
Co-Founder

Mariah brings a wealth of experience from both the corporate IT and tech start-up sectors. Her diverse experience touches on multiple key areas, including the supply chain, entertainment, utilities, and healthcare industries. In addition to being a certified product owner and product manager, she also holds a PMP and an MBA in Management Information Systems.

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