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.

In a city that prides itself on its diversity, a new initiative is shining a spotlight on the rich cultural heritage and boundless potential of Denver's Latine community. Latine Futures Month, the brainchild of local artist and visionary Manuel Aragon, is a celebration that transcends the traditional boundaries of Hispanic Heritage Month, offering a dynamic platform to showcase the stories, achievements, and aspirations of the city's Chicano, Latinx, Guatemalan, Venezuelan, Mexican, and Hispanic leaders.

Amplifying Voices, Igniting Futures

Honoring the Journeys of Venezuelan Migrants

Amidst the challenges of migration, a glimmer of hope shines through in the story of Yosber, a Venezuelan immigrant who has found a new home and purpose in Denver. Yosber's journey, marked by uncertainty and the search for stability, mirrors the experiences of thousands of his compatriots who have sought refuge in the city. Through the support of local organizations and businesses like Reunion Bread, Yosber has been able to hone his baking skills, improve his English, and forge a path towards a brighter future. His story is a testament to the resilience and determination that define the Latine community in Denver, as they navigate the complexities of starting anew in a foreign land.The Latine Futures Month series delves deeper into the lives of these remarkable individuals, painting a vivid portrait of their hopes, achievements, and the very essence of their cultural identity. From musicians and playwrights to community leaders and photographers, the profiles capture the multifaceted nature of the Latine experience, showcasing the diverse tapestry that enriches the fabric of Denver's neighborhoods.

Redefining Identity and Celebrating the Present

The decision to rebrand the initiative from "Latinx Futures Month" to "Latine Futures Month" reflects a thoughtful evolution in the way the community chooses to self-identify. As Aragon explains, the term "Latine" has gained traction among younger generations, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community, as a more inclusive and nuanced representation of their identity. This shift underscores the dynamic nature of cultural expression and the importance of honoring the community's own voice in defining its narrative.Latine Futures Month also marks a departure from the traditional focus of Hispanic Heritage Month, which often celebrates the accomplishments of the past. Aragon's vision is to shine a light on the present and the future, highlighting the trailblazers and change-makers who are actively shaping the Latine community's trajectory. By providing a platform for these individuals to share their stories, Latine Futures Month empowers them to see themselves reflected in the community's collective vision and inspires others to follow in their footsteps.

Sustaining the Celebration Beyond a Single Month

The inaugural Latine Futures Month may be drawing to a close, but Aragon's commitment to this initiative extends far beyond the confines of a single calendar event. He envisions a future where the profiles and spotlights come to life in a physical gallery space, allowing the community to engage with these stories in a more immersive and impactful way.Moreover, Aragon has already set his sights on the future, promising the return of Latine Futures Month in 2025 and beyond. This long-term commitment underscores the importance of sustained celebration and recognition, ensuring that the Latine community's contributions and aspirations remain at the forefront of Denver's cultural landscape.As the city continues to evolve, the Latine Futures Month initiative stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the transformative impact of amplifying diverse voices. Through this celebration, Denver's Latine community is not only reclaiming its narrative but also paving the way for a future where their dreams, achievements, and cultural richness are woven into the very fabric of the city they call home.