Brian Li visited his old stomping grounds earlier this month and came back with new insights for students at Providence Day.

Mr. Li, a math and financial literacy teacher, returned to Wake Forest University, where he graduated in 2003, to be a part of the college’s launch of its Center for Literacy Education that explores how literacy education can strengthen individuals and communities through teaching, research and programming, according to Wake Forest.

The initiative bridges literacy gaps across civic, health, digital, and environmental domains, benefiting both the university and community.

Mr. Li calls the initiative “impactful.”

“This is why I was so excited to be a part of this initiative — its mission aligns closely with the values at Providence Day,” he says. “The focus on helping the broader community and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration is something we prioritize here as well. I see many parallels between Wake Forest’s Center for Literacy Education and our new IDEAS Department at Providence Day, both emphasizing inclusivity and the development of essential skills that empower students and communities alike.”

In today’s world, literacy means more than the ability to read and write, according to Wake Forest. Li believes introducing what he teaches - financial literacy - at a young age has real-life implications that can shape students’ futures.

“Time moves quickly, and understanding how to manage money, invest, and plan for the future can set students up for long-term success,” he says. “Beyond just a personal skill, financial literacy is a tool that can empower students to educate others, make informed decisions, and use their knowledge for good in their communities.”

He adds: “ I plan to incorporate these lessons into my teaching, helping my students see finance not as an isolated subject, but as part of a broader set of life skills that will not only benefit them but also enable them to positively impact others as they grow older.”

During his visit to Wake Forest, Mr. Li led two financial literacy workshops: First in the Forest for a group of first-generation college students at Wake Forest and Winston-Salem Teach for a collaborative initiative involving Salem College, Wake Forest, Winston-Salem State University, and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

During First in the Forest, Li focused on foundational financial skills such as budgeting, saving, and investing to set students up for financial stability and success beyond graduation. During the second workshop, he delved into financial planning, investing, and retirement preparation to equip future teachers with essential financial skills.

“Going back to Wake Forest as an alum was incredibly rewarding,” Mr. Li says. “It felt both special and surreal to return to campus in an official capacity, especially knowing how far both I and the university have come since graduation. Partnering with Wake Forest was an honor, and I was thrilled that they recognized the work we're doing in financial literacy.”

But one of the best parts of his visit, he says, was running into Providence Day alums who are now students at the university. He says it was exciting to see “the next generation of Providence Day graduates thriving: Carly Arrington (Class of 2024), Hollis Comer (Class of 2021), and Katie Posnanski (Class of 2023).

Wake Forest is planning on bringing Mr. Li on campus in the spring, and he hopes the invites continue. 

“The potential for this partnership to provide new approaches to literacy is enormous, and I’m excited about how we can make a lasting impact in education and beyond,” he says. “This truly feels like a dream collaboration for me, as it allows me to connect the work we are doing at Providence Day with the values and mission of my alma mater, Wake Forest University. It’s rewarding to bridge these two educational communities I’m so passionate about.”