Unlocking Financial Empowerment: UK Invests Transforms Student FuturesAt the University of Kentucky, a groundbreaking initiative called UK Invests is empowering students to take control of their financial futures. By seamlessly integrating financial literacy, wellness, and real-world investing opportunities into campus life, this innovative program is equipping students with the knowledge and tools to become healthier, wealthier, and wiser.
Investing in the Future, One Student at a Time
Fostering Financial Literacy and Wellness
The UK Invests program recognizes that financial literacy is a critical life skill, and the university is dedicated to ensuring its students are equipped to make informed decisions about their money. Through online iGrad courses and in-person financial literacy sessions, students can earn up to $75 per semester for deepening their understanding of personal finance, budgeting, and investing.Beyond financial education, the program also incentivizes healthy behaviors and habits. Students can earn up to $50 for attending wellness-focused events, such as mindfulness sessions and cooking classes, as well as $5 for visiting campus recreation facilities three times a week. By encouraging these positive lifestyle choices, UK Invests aims to cultivate a well-rounded approach to student success.Empowering Real-World Investing
At the heart of UK Invests is the opportunity for students to open a brokerage account and start investing in their future. Through a partnership with Fidelity Investments, the university ensures that students are equipped with the resources and guidance to make informed investment decisions.Students can earn up to $75 for attending events that build employability skills, such as peer tutoring, career center workshops, and common hour study groups. This not only helps them develop practical skills but also provides a financial incentive to engage with these valuable campus resources.Driving Measurable Impact
The results of the UK Invests program have been nothing short of remarkable. In the 2023-24 academic year, the retention rate of first-year students who participated in the program was an impressive 92%, compared to just over 84% for those who did not. Additionally, these students had higher GPAs, with a 3.3 average compared to 3.0 for non-participants.These gains are seen across all levels of incoming student preparation, demonstrating the program's ability to support students from diverse backgrounds and academic profiles. By empowering students to take control of their financial futures, UK Invests is not only improving academic outcomes but also setting them up for long-term success.A Transformative Opportunity
For students like Silas Moffit and Kylie Lessenberry, UK Invests has been a game-changer. Moffit, a first-year nursing student, appreciates the program's ability to incentivize healthy behaviors, saying, "It's as simple as going to the gym three times a week and earning money, which is more motivation."Lessenberry, a first-year elementary education and accounting major, has been equally impressed. "It's been very helpful," she says. "I started exploring the BBNvolved site and realized I could attend events and earn money. It's also motivated me to visit The Study, which has been incredibly beneficial for my classes."With the university investing over $1 million in this initiative, funded entirely by private and philanthropic support, UK Invests is setting a new standard for student success and financial empowerment. By turning everyday campus activities into opportunities for growth and rewards, the program is not only building essential financial skills but also helping students achieve greater financial security, career readiness, and overall well-being.As Lessenberry eloquently puts it, "I feel so lucky to have this opportunity to learn and grow early on." The future is bright for UK students, and UK Invests is leading the way in transforming the college experience and setting students up for lifelong success.
