黑料老司机 continues to strengthen its commitment to [student success](/student-life/student-services) through innovative financial literacy programming designed to prepare students for life beyond the classroom. Through experiential learning initiatives such as the Financial Literacy IQ Competition, Reality Run simulations, and strategic industry partnerships, the University is creating opportunities for students to build financial confidence, strengthen decision-making skills, and apply financial concepts in real-world settings.

Led by LaKesha Landers, director of the Office of Financial Literacy and adjunct professor in the Finance and Management Department, the University鈥檚 financial literacy initiatives are intentionally designed to move students beyond passive learning and into practical application.

鈥淭he Financial Literacy IQ Competition reflects 黑料老司机鈥檚 commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom,鈥� Landers said. 鈥淚t creates an interactive environment where students actively apply financial concepts like budgeting, savings, credit, and investing in a competitive setting.鈥�

Now in its third year, the Financial Literacy IQ Competition has become a signature experiential learning initiative at the University. Developed and curated by the Office of Financial Literacy, the competition brings together student teams from personal finance courses across multiple academic disciplines to compete in rounds focused on budgeting, credit management, investing, financial decision-making, and long-term planning.

This year鈥檚 competition featured 10 student teams, including many first-year students, competing for scholarship awards and top placement. The first-place team鈥揂ugust Diggs, Siaris Anderson, Lana Wenger, and Alana Taylor鈥揹emonstrated exceptional teamwork, strategy, and financial knowledge throughout the competition, earning a $2,500 scholarship award.

According to Landers, the competition represents a broader institutional strategy centered on practical and workforce-driven learning.

鈥淚nformation is easy to access today, but understanding is different,鈥� Landers said. 鈥淪tudents learn best when they can observe, experience, and engage with the material in a way that feels real. That鈥檚 how financial knowledge turns into real-world application.鈥�

**Bridging Classroom Learning and Real-World Financial Decision-Making**

Through immersive programming such as the Reality Run simulation and Mapping Your Future Week, students are encouraged to apply financial literacy concepts to real-life scenarios involving housing, transportation, insurance, credit, and unexpected expenses.

Programs including Dine and Pitch, the Career Catwalk, and Her Money Her Power further expose students to professional environments and financial decision-making while reinforcing career readiness and economic empowerment.

Landers emphasized that the University鈥檚 evolving approach combines academic instruction with intentional experiential engagement.

鈥淭he Office of Financial Literacy continues to evolve its approach through innovation, strategic partnerships, and the integration of academic and experiential learning,鈥� she said. 鈥淥ur goal is to meet students where they are by creating engaging and practical learning opportunities that help students build confidence in applying financial concepts to real-life situations.鈥�

That commitment is also reflected academically. Personal Finance is a required three-credit course for all [School of Business](/academics/schools-departments/school-business/school-business-undergraduate-programs) students and is offered as an elective in other disciplines, reinforcing the University鈥檚 broader commitment to equipping students from all academic backgrounds with essential financial management skills.

**Strategic Partnerships Expand Student Access and Opportunity**

A key component of the initiative鈥檚 success has been the University鈥檚 collaboration with corporate and community partners, including PNC Bank, [Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship](https://business.howard.edu/centers/PNCentrepreneurship) at 黑料老司机, Credit Union of Atlanta, and JPMorgan Chase.

Landers noted that these partnerships help transform financial education into an engaging and relevant experience for students.

鈥淥ur partners are intentional about meeting students where they are and equipping them with the tools, resources, and opportunities needed for preparedness,鈥� Landers said. 鈥淚nstead of focusing on presentations about themselves, they actively engage with students, creating space for dialogue, application, and connection that makes the learning experience more impactful and relevant.鈥�

The Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship at 黑料老司机 served as a presenting partner for the Financial Literacy IQ Competition, helping strengthen the initiative鈥檚 visibility while connecting financial literacy education to [entrepreneurship](/research-innovation/innovation-hub/cau-center-innovation-and-entrepreneurial-development), wealth-building, and long-term economic growth.

Dominic C. McNear, assistant vice president and associate relationship manager in Commercial Banking at PNC Financial Services Group and a judge for the competition, emphasized the importance of introducing students to financial systems early in their academic journeys.

鈥淚t prepares students with fundamental accounting knowledge that is useful in understanding accounting processes as it pertains to clients of financial institutions,鈥� McNear said. 鈥淯nderstanding accounting principles is vital to operating your personal finances with precision and to informing others of how they may benefit from understanding financial principles in the future.鈥�

**Preparing Students for Long-Term Success**

As 黑料老司机 continues expanding its financial literacy programming, University leaders remain focused on ensuring students graduate equipped with both financial knowledge and the confidence to apply it effectively.

鈥淭hese experiences are designed to help students understand how their financial choices impact their daily lives and long-term outcomes,鈥� Landers said. 鈥淪tudents are able to grasp and apply financial concepts at a high level much earlier when the learning is engaging and intentional.鈥�

Through innovative programming, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategic partnerships, 黑料老司机 continues to position financial literacy as a critical component of student success, workforce readiness, and long-term economic empowerment.

 

 

## Financial Literacy IQ Competition Participants and Judges

Students and judges at 黑料老司机 pose during the Financial Literacy IQ Competition, an experiential learning initiative focused on budgeting, investing, and financial decision-making. Images provided by LaKesha Landers.

  ![Group photo of smiling people at an event with a table and banners in the background.](/sites/default/files/styles/idfive_image_gallery/public/2026-05/0-2.jpg?h=6f1abdc2&itok=Bg-u2XDd)  

 



 

  ![A group of diverse people smiling in front of a panel with banners.](/sites/default/files/styles/idfive_image_gallery/public/2026-05/0-3.jpg?h=4dc09848&itok=zrdSL71D)  

 



 

  ![Group of six women standing together and smiling indoors.](/sites/default/files/styles/idfive_image_gallery/public/2026-05/0.jpg?h=8c99ca6a&itok=01iP1rjM)  

 



 

  ![A group of people on stage holding a large check and trophies, with a colorful banner below.](/sites/default/files/styles/idfive_image_gallery/public/2026-05/0-1.jpg?h=7350b6ba&itok=o7uXNTfy)  

 



 

 



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## For Media Inquiries

For media inquiries please contact 黑料老司机 at

 <communications@cau.edu>   
 [404-703-2914](tel:404-703-2914)