Austin Walker Empowers Youth with Essential Life Skills

Austin Walker, a graduate of Grand Canyon University (GCU), is on a mission to equip young people with essential life skills often overlooked in traditional education. Through his initiative, Geared Up Youth, Walker addresses vital topics such as financial literacy, dining etiquette, and professional development, filling a gap many students face when transitioning into adulthood.

The inspiration for Geared Up Youth began during a casual conversation between Walker and a friend about the fundamental skills they wished they had learned in high school. While they were familiar with mathematical concepts like the Pythagorean theorem, knowledge of financial instruments like 401Ks and Roth IRAs was lacking.

Walker recognized that many young individuals are entering adulthood without a grasp of basic financial literacy. He noted, “We made a list of all the things we wish we would have learned in high school. Then we thought, how cool would it be to create a ministry or business to help these students?”

With this vision, Walker spent four years developing a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, from money management to health and wellness. The Geared Up Youth workbook features sections on budgeting principles, including the 40/30/30 rule, and practical skills like how to write a check. Walker emphasizes the importance of understanding compound interest, referencing Albert Einstein‘s assertion that it is “the eighth wonder of the world.”

From Sports Management to Life Skills Education

Walker’s journey to establishing Geared Up Youth began after he completed his degree in sports management at GCU, where he excelled and was named Outstanding Senior in the Colangelo College of Business. His career started with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he coordinated group events and hospitality before being laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reflecting on that challenging time, Walker shared, “I felt lost after that dream job. I grieved, no doubt. It was incredibly difficult at the time.” This experience prompted a reevaluation of his career goals. He wanted to be known for more than just his job in sports, leading him to explore other opportunities, including a position with the Cardon Development Group.

In his role at Cardon, Walker contributed to the creation of the LOPES Academy, a program designed to support neurodivergent adults in developing job readiness skills. Despite his growing responsibilities at Cardon, Walker’s passion for Geared Up Youth remained at the forefront of his ambitions.

Bridging the Gap in Education

Walker now balances his work at Gloo, a technology company that supports churches and pastors, with his commitment to Geared Up Youth. He is actively partnering with financial advisors to conduct workshops aimed at teaching young people about personal finance, including the differences between various retirement accounts.

The Geared Up Youth workbook, which spans 113 pages, is available on the initiative’s website, gearedupyouth.com. Walker expressed a desire for this resource to have been available during his own formative years, stating, “I would have loved to have had this book in my hands when I was 15 years old.”

His efforts extend beyond the workbook. Walker is piloting his program in schools and providing free life skills curriculum to foster and at-risk youth. “The heart behind it is not to get rich. It’s not to make me famous. It’s literally just to raise up that next generation better than I was,” he said sincerely.

Through Geared Up Youth, Austin Walker is making a significant impact on the lives of young individuals, ensuring they are better prepared for the challenges of adulthood. His work not only addresses the shortcomings of traditional education but also strives to empower the next generation with the tools they need to succeed.