Educating high school students on how to build long-term wealth through index funds

Bob Gillingham

Bob Gillingham, a 1969 graduate of the University of Illinois, has built an impressive legacy as both a successful auto dealership owner and an influential educator. His journey into education began in 1997 when he started teaching Junior Achievement to high school students, focusing on business startup principles. By 2003, he had refined his curriculum to teach students how to invest in the stock market—a topic that has since become his primary focus.

Over the past 15 years, Bob has expanded his reach, teaching approximately 6,000 students annually across 27 high schools and colleges in five different states. His dedication to financial literacy and education has seen him work with students of all ages, from middle schoolers to college students, though his primary focus remains high school instruction. Each of his classes receives about two and a half hours of engaging, hands-on instruction, preparing students to navigate the complexities of investing and personal finance.

Bob’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, he was honored with the Northeast Region Ohio School Boards Association Volunteer of the Year award, as well as the Ohio School Board Association Educational Achievement Award. His commitment to education was also recognized by Time Magazine, which named him a Dealer of the Year for his educational impact.

This year, Bob will be teaching full-time, reaching approximately 6,000 students during the school year. His passion for education, coupled with his experience as a business owner, has enabled him to create a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of students, empowering them with the tools to succeed in the financial world.