Community Partners of Antelope Valley Academy for Financial & Digital Literacy
Building Economic Confidence and Digital Readiness Across the Antelope Valley
Prepare for real-world success with a transformative two-month blended learning experience designed to elevate financial understanding and digital literacy in the age of AI.
The Community Partners of Antelope Valley Academy for Financial & Digital Literacy is a structured education program designed to strengthen economic stability, digital competence, and long-term opportunity for Antelope Valley residents.
This two-month, dual-track program addresses real gaps identified across the Antelope Valley:
Personal Finance
Digital & AI Literacy
Connection & Skills
Each participant completes a two-month program consisting of:
Month 1: Financial Literacy & Money Mindset
Month 2: Digital Literacy & Applied AI Skills
Experience & Benefits
All participants receive more than just an 8 week course, they get tools and connections for sustained success, and a little bit of fun too.
COPA AV Learning Hub
All participants receive access to the COPA AV Learning Hub, which includes:
Instructor communication and support
Self-paced learning materials
Budgeting and financial planning templates
AI prompting and digital literacy resources
Access to free AI assistants designed for:
Personal finance guidance
Digital and AI skill development
Certificate & Celebration
Certificate of completion for all participants
Introductions to finance and technology professionals
Invitation to the annual COPA AV Summer Celebration
COPA AV Academy for Adults (17+)
Financial & Digital Literacy for Economic Stability and Growth
Digital Literacy in the Age of AI
Participants gain essential skills to function confidently in today’s digital economy.
Digital Literacy Fundamentals & Online Safety
Understanding how to navigate the internet responsibly, evaluate information, protect personal data, and practice safe online behavior.
Understanding Artificial Intelligence & Real-World Applications
An introduction to what AI is, how it works at a high level, and how it is already shaping education, work, and everyday life.
Practical Use of AI Tools for Productivity & Learning
Hands-on exposure to modern AI tools that support organization, research, writing, problem-solving, and personal finance.
Effective Prompting & Responsible AI Use
Learning how to communicate clearly with AI tools to get better outcomes while understanding limitations, bias, and ethical considerations.
Data Privacy, Ethics & Critical Thinking in Digital Environments
Building awareness around digital footprints, privacy rights, misinformation, and responsible decision-making in an AI-driven world.
Personal Finance & Money Mindset
This portion of the program focuses on both mindset and mechanics, recognizing that long-term financial stability requires behavioral change as well as knowledge.
Money Mindset and Financial Beliefs
Exploring how attitudes toward money shape decisions and outcomes, drawing on classic prosperity principles.
Budgeting, Saving, and Financial Planning
Practical tools for managing income, expenses, and financial goals.
Credit, Debt, and Borrowing
Understanding credit scores, interest, and responsible use of debt.
Banking and Financial Systems
How to navigate accounts, fees, and consumer protections.
Introduction to Investing and Retirement
Long-term financial planning fundamentals.
Taxes, Insurance, and Consumer Awareness
Core knowledge for financial protection.
Responsible Consumer Behavior
Reducing impulse spending and improving financial decision-making.
Program Format
Duration: 8 weeks
Schedule: Weekly 1.5-hour sessions
Delivery: In-person with supplemental digital learning
The next course will be held in Spring 2026. To learn more click the link below to receive sign up information:
COPA AV Academy for Youth (11-16)
Foundational skills for lifelong success
Youth Financial Foundations
This phase introduces young people to money concepts in a practical and engaging way.
Core Topics Include
Earning, saving & spending responsibly
Simple budgeting & goal setting
Introduction to banking & credit
Investing & the stock market
Making thoughtful financial choices
Youth Digital & AI Literacy
This phase emphasizes safe, ethical, and productive technology use.
Core Topics Include
Digital citizenship & online safety
Smart social media & video game use
Understanding AI in everyday life
Creative & educational uses of AI
Building healthy technology habits
Program Format
Duration: 8 weeks
Schedule: Weekly 1 hour sessions
Delivery: In-person with supplemental digital learning
The next course will be held in Spring 2026. To learn more click the link below to receive sign up information:
Why Financial & Digital Literacy Matters in the Antelope Valley
The COPA AV Academy addresses these challenges by providing early, practical, and accessible education that helps residents:
Build healthy financial habits before crises occur
Increase household financial resilience
Develop confidence navigating digital tools and online systems
Prepare for a workforce increasingly shaped by automation and AI
COPA AV supports local priorities:
Workforce development and job readiness
Youth empowerment and academic success
Economic self-sufficiency
Digital inclusion and equity
Community-based prevention services
Economic and technological shifts are accelerating faster than traditional education systems can adapt. Many Antelope Valley residents face:
Limited access to practical financial education
Gaps in digital literacy and online safety knowledge
Increased exposure to predatory financial products
A widening divide between those who can leverage technology and those who cannot
Youth Life Skills Course
Empowering students with mindset, emotional, and digital intelligence for the future, ages 10-20
Highlights:
Guest Speakers: Motivational speakers, entrepreneurs, and educators.
Interactive Activities: Student-led projects, mentorship intros, and creative challenges.
Equips the next generation of Antelope Valley leaders with confidence, discipline, and direction.
Topics Covered:
Building emotional intelligence, strong minds and healthy relationships
Goal setting and self-leadership
Financial basics and money management
Digital citizenship and responsible tech use
Community pride and teamwork
The next course will be held in January 2026. To learn more click the link below to receive sign up information:
Career & Life Skills Course
Workforce readiness and professional growth, ages 16+
Highlights:
Guest Speakers: Local HR professionals, business owners, Palmdale City staff, and Antelope Valley College representatives.
Career Day Exhibitors: Local business HR reps & entrepreneurs.
Prepares participants for employment and continuing education while building their local professional network.
Topics Covered:
Resume writing & mock interviews
Professional communication & workplace etiquette
Digital literacy with a focus on AI and LinkedIn
Personal branding & networking
Job search strategy and local opportunities
The next course will be held in February 2026. To learn more click the link below to receive sign up information:
AI Upskilling for Professional and Personal Success
Building practical AI skills for work, school, and everyday life. Ideal for students, job seekers, and working adults, ages 16+
Highlights:
Guest speakers: AI experts and industry professionals who may offering internship, mentorship, and growth opportunities to engaged participants
Special Opportunity: Taught by the founding team of an AI platform
Prepares participants for a future where AI skills will dictate success or failure.
Topics Covered:
What AI is (and isn't) and how it's changing today's jobs
Effective AI prompting for research, writing, and problem-solving
Using AI to improve resumes and presentations
Strengthening critical thinking: fact-checking, bias, and "second-brain" habits
Everyday AI: planning, budgeting, learning new skills, and organizing life
The next course will be held in February 2026. To learn more click the link below to receive sign up information:
Career and Workforce Readiness Courses
Specialized career pathway programs that prepare participants for specific industries and professional opportunities.
Tech Careers Readiness Academy: Pathways into Software, IT & AI
Pathways into software, IT, and AI careers for ages 16+, no prior coding experience required.
Highlights:
Employer Panel: IT & software employers, remote-friendly tech companies, community college representatives
Capstone Projects: Students present web pages, IT troubleshooting scripts, or AI-assisted mini-projects
Each participant receives a Certificate of Completion and builds a starter portfolio with GitHub profile and simple project.
Topics Covered:
Realistic map of tech career paths (software dev, IT support, data, AI/ML roles, product/UX)
Hands-on exposure to basic coding and AI tools
Professional skills (LinkedIn, resumes, interviewing, workplace norms)
Digital foundations and AI literacy
Web development basics and IT support pathways
Prepares participants for entry-level tech careers and connects them to Google Career Certificates, bootcamps, and local opportunities.
The next course will be held in Spring 2026. To learn more click the link below to receive sign up information:
Finance Careers Readiness Academy: Pathways into Investing, Advisory, Insurance & Tax
Pathways into financial services careers for ages 16+, no prior finance background required.
Highlights:
Career Panel: CFP professionals, CFA/investment managers, Enrolled Agents, insurance advisors
Capstone Projects: Students create financial plans, asset allocation recommendations, or tax intake processes
Each participant receives a Certificate of Completion and builds a professional portfolio with a resume tailored for finance roles.
Topics Covered:
Clear map of finance career paths (financial advisor, investment management, insurance, tax preparation)
Foundational financial literacy and investment basics
Professional skills for finance (ethics, confidentiality, client communication)
Licensing and credential overview (CFP, CFA, EA, Series licenses)
Real-world finance operations and client service skills
Prepares participants for entry-level careers in financial services and connects them to local firms, internships, and licensing pathways.
The next course will be held in Spring 2026. To learn more click the link below to receive sign up information:
Support
Donate or partner with COPA AV
Help us expand programs, reach more residents, and multiply our impact throughout the Antelope Valley community.
Financial contributions of any size welcome
Corporate partnership opportunities
In-kind donations and resource sharing
Mentorship and expertise sharing
“The end of all education should surely be service to others.”
— César Chávez