Why BYCIG?
Who we are and what we do with your support
“I’ve always been passionate about finance related fields, but it was hard to find opportunities for high schoolers to explore finance in depth. I’m so glad I found the BYCIG – it truly provided me with the hands-on experience I need to grow in the future.”
– BYCIG member
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The Brooklyn Youth Charitable Investment Group (BYCIG) is a modern, student-run educational organization that merges the worlds of finance, philanthropy, and professional development. Our mission is to equip high school students from all backgrounds with both soft and technical financial skills, preparing the next generation of thinkers, investors, and leaders to tackle the complexities of the real world. At BYCIG, we believe opportunity should not be reserved for the privileged few. We exist to help close the opportunity gap by giving students hands-on exposure to finance, business, and leadership, while using our investment gains to give back and broaden our impact.
Our philosophy
At the core of BYCIG are the values we uphold daily: curiosity, professionalism, integrity, accountability, and an “I’ll figure it out” mindset. We believe in constant learning, critical thinking, and intellectual humility. We also emphasize professionalism, modeled after the standards of top institutions. Members are held to high expectations in accountability, team collaboration, communication, punctuality, and presentation. We believe that teaching young people how to operate in a professional environment early on gives them a head start in any field they pursue.
What does your donation do?
When a donor contributes to BYCIG, they are investing in a virtuous cycle: one that teaches, grows, and gives. Students learn to analyze markets, write equity research, and manage real investment proposals in a collaborative, high-stakes environment. A portion of our investment returns, primarily from fixed income yields, is donated directly to vetted charitable organizations. These donations are aimed at fighting inequality and expanding access to education, resources, and opportunities for underserved populations.
The BYCIG experience
Education
All members, regardless of department, begin with a foundational course covering the foundational concepts of their chosen area. Then they join weekly meetings where students challenge each other’s thinking, present ideas, and sharpen their analysis through discussion and debate.
Experience
Students apply their skills in real-time by managing live investment proposals, collaborating on cross-functional projects, and executing initiatives that mirror professional settings. Whether presenting equity research to advisors or launching outreach campaigns, members are held to real-world standards of quality and accountability.
Guest speakers
To bridge classroom learning with real-world insight, we host professionals from top-tier firms across finance, marketing, media, and entrepreneurship. These sessions provide clarity on career paths, expose students to success stories, and build early networking confidence.
Legal and governance structure
BYCIG is currently organized as a Delaware non-stock corporation (C-corp). We work to ensure transparency, accountability, and a long-term framework for responsible governance. Our board oversees decision-making and ensures that both educational and charitable missions are honored. As we grow, we continue to professionalize our structure, bringing in advisors and mentors to help shape a sustainable and legally sound organization.
Please note: BYCIG is not yet a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, so donations are not currently tax-deductible. We have pursued 501(c)(3) status and expect to obtain it by year-end. Donors will be notified if and when tax-deductibility becomes retroactively available.