I don't know that we do want to promote more and more smart kids into consulting or quantitative finance, given all of the areas where their talents could be applied (although not as well compensated).

But probably the first step towards that goal would be to introduce finance into high school curriculums. Real finance, net present value, how to evaluate 2 different spending choices, understanding compound interest, how to read a basic balance sheet, etc.

The ones who feel an affinity for it will, hopefully, intentionally pursue it in college.