The Securities and Exchange Commission is constantly looking for unique ways to spread financial literacy and fraud awareness to new audiences of current and future investors.

In the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, the agency found not only willing listeners to financial readiness tips but also leaders of tomorrow eyeing possible futures in the financial services industry.

A few dozen Girl Scouts visited the SEC’s New York Regional Office recently to hear from SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce and other agency leaders, including an SEC attorney and an SEC accountant who were former Girl Scouts themselves.

The Girl Scouts participated in panel discussions and interactive information and trivia sessions with SEC officials, and the day culminated in a trip to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). For their efforts, the participating Girl Scouts earned “financial literacy badges” designed and presented by the SEC.

Maggie Vasquez, vice president of Girl Leadership Experience for the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, called it "such a great educational day for our Girl Scouts. We appreciate the phenomenal panels, the workshop facilitators, and the Jeopardy trivia game. Tying it all together was the trip to NYSE, the opportunity to continue learning with their panel and the visit to the floor to speak with the traders."

SEC officials found the experience similarly worthwhile.

“We are not only empowering them to navigate the complexities of our financial world, but also igniting a passion for careers in the industry,” said Allison Wise, acting director of the SEC’s Office of Minority and Women Inclusion. “I am incredibly proud of our partnership with the Girl Scouts and look forward to continuing to inspire the next generation of leaders.”