Frequently asked
questions.

General inquiries — info@rebelsforachange.org

Contact page — send a message through our site or find more ways to reach us.

Email info@rebelsforachange.org or use our contact page to request an interview — we'll connect you with the right spokesperson.

REBELS partners at Madison Park High School and Abundantly Funded Minds may also be available depending on the story angle.

Photos of REBELS in action are available upon request.

Swinks Laporte

• Financial literacy
• How socioeconomic factors impact personal and professional outcomes
• The wealth gap in Massachusetts
• How to connect with and support young people
• Entrepreneurship
• How to build community for positive change

Madison Park High School partner | Sherrice Thompson

• REBELS programming at Madison Park
• The REBELS impact on local students
• Integration of marketing and financial knowledge

Abundantly Funded Minds partner | Sabrina Diaz

• Collaborating with Swinks on teaching and curriculum
• The neuroscience behind financial wellness
• Healing-centered financial freedom
• REBELS "ecosystem building"

REBELS provides programming focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and personal growth for at-risk youth in Boston. The program provides tangible financial experience to youth impacted by socioeconomic barriers to prevent entrapment in the criminal justice system. In addition to working directly with youth, REBELS trains partner organizations in financial literacy curriculum development to maximize cultural impact.

After facing socioeconomic struggles and incarceration, co-founders Swinks Laporte and Michael Brawner became passionate about addressing the risk factors contributing to cycles of poverty and incarceration. They connected with their community to discern what barriers young people were facing to leading financially successful lives, and they founded REBELS to fill that gap in education, mentorship, and empowerment.

Based on recent research, Massachusetts has a severe lack of quality financial education for youth. According to the 2023 National Report Card on State Efforts to Improve Financial Literacy in High Schools, Massachusetts has an "F rating" for financial literacy education requirements in high schools.

Studies have shown that quality financial education can significantly improve the financial future of young people, especially if it is tailored to their age-specific understanding and interests. This is especially important for Boston students, as Massachusetts has a significant wealth gap along racial lines.

REBELS works to address these gaps in access to financial education among Boston youth to ensure the best possible path to success despite structural barriers.

REBELS has delivered two 8–12 week financial empowerment cohorts, impacting 20 students. Through the program, students have opened bank accounts, gained a comprehensive understanding of credit and investing, and developed meaningful relationships with financial mentors. In addition, REBELS works with other youth facing organizations to integrate the REBELS curriculum into existing programs. REBELS plans to continue their partnership with Madison Park High School and other youth centered organizations in the 2026–2027 school year to further their impact.

The biggest impact has been the way students start thinking differently about their future. Conversations about financial responsibility, entrepreneurship, and ownership help them see possibilities that may not have felt realistic before.

REBELS impact on our participants has been very positive and life-changing. Some of our participants opened bank accounts for the first time and also learned valuable information and skills on how to make smart financial decisions and investments. Many of the participants have shown great interest in building their credit score and even learning more about the trade market. For graduation, each participant also received a new pair of New Balance sneakers. They were so grateful.

Students become more curious about how money works, how businesses are built, and how they might create opportunities for themselves, even more as young people. It also opens space for important conversations about long-term decision-making and financial independence. Programs like this help students feel more confident and better prepared for life after high school.

REBELS is currently partnered with Madison Park High School, Abundantly Funded Minds (AFM), Emerson College, Teen Empowerment, and UTEC. These partnerships allow for comprehensive curriculum development and direct connection with at-risk youth.

The partnership with REBELS opened our eyes to a better way to do financial literacy—one that fully understands the needs of the young men and their families and provides information and tools that meet their needs. We took the group to the local TD Bank. Many of the young men had never even been in a bank. We hoped to show them that a bank is to serve and empower them—and to avoid the costly fees of local check-cashing storefronts. A number of the young men then returned to open bank accounts!

When I learned about the work REBELS was doing, it felt like a natural fit. Their focus on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and empowering young people aligns closely with what we want for our students within the marketing vocational program, helping them feel confident about their futures and giving them tools they can actually use in real life.

After hearing about the curriculum and coming from an environment of poverty and financial illiteracy, I knew REBELS could be a crucial tool in teaching the youth the truth about financial literacy. The knowledge they would receive could prepare them and equip them to become financially competent, leading to growth and opportunities.

• REBELS website — rebelsforachange.org
• REBELS LinkedIn — LinkedIn
• REBELS Instagram — @rebelsboston

Yes. REBELS Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Our EIN is 85-4143381.

Donations fund student scholarships for the flagship program, partner curriculum support, alumni programming, and operational costs that keep the work sustainable.