The Pursuit of Happiness: Health & Wealth

Highlights from SFEPD’s 17th Annual Financial Literacy Leadership Conference

What an unforgettable week! Our 17th Annual Financial Literacy Leadership Conference — The Pursuit of Happiness: Health & Wealth — brought together leaders, educators, financial institutions, students, consumers, and changemakers from across the nation to explore how financial wellness and personal well-being go hand in hand.

From inspiring keynote speakers to powerful sessions, networking, and innovative ideas, this year’s event was filled with moments that motivated us all to build healthier, wealthier futures.

Thank you to our incredible speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, students, and attendees for making this year’s conference a huge success! Your energy and passion continue to drive SFEPD’s mission to empower financial literacy and prosperity for all.

Please check our website and social media channels soon for a complete set of pictures from The Pursuit of Happiness: Health & Wealth.

SFEPD HBCU Financial Literacy Bowl

The SFEPD HBCU Financial Literacy Bowl returned for 2025! Open to all SFEPD Ambassador programs, teams from participating HBCUs competed in a two-phased challenge to determine who is the most financially savvy.

In the first round, held virtually, 13 teams faced off in a fast-paced financial literacy quiz. After an intense hour of competition, Alabama State University and defending champ Tuskegee University tied for first place, with returning finalist Alabama A&M University finishing close behind in third. These teams and their oversight professors joined for a live competition to kick off day two of our conference.

Generously sponsored by our friends at The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), the SFEPD HBCU Financial Literacy Bowl was hosted by NEFE Senior Director of Equity, Dr. Michelle Samuels-Jones. When the speed round of questions was over, Alabama State University won first prize with Tuskegee University coming in second and Alabama A&M University placing third. Congratulations to all our students and their professors!

SFEPD Impact Study: Narrowing the Racial Wealth Divide

Financial education is a key driver of closing the racial wealth gap. New independent research confirms our impact:

• SFEPD's Black Student Ambassadors reported 26% higher financial well-being than White individuals with otherwise similar backgrounds.
• Other Black SFEPD learners reported 13% higher financial well-being.

These findings—based on the CFPB Financial Wellbeing Scale—show that tailored financial education can build confidence, security, and pathways to wealth.

Read the memo and factsheet at: sfepd.org/resultsthatmatter

Student Ambassadors

October was another impactful month for our SFEPD Student Ambassadors, who continue to champion financial literacy across their campuses and local communities. From hosting workshops and leading peer discussions to organizing campus events and engaging students through boothing and tabling activities, our ambassadors are empowering fellow students with the knowledge and skills to make smart money decisions. Here’s a look at some of their inspiring activities this month!

• Economic Mobility: Nearly 60% of respondents say current conditions are limiting upward mobility, and almost 70% expect things to worsen over the next year, citing housing challenges and rising demand for services amid funding uncertainty.
• Employment: Labor market conditions fared better than other areas, but slightly over half of respondents anticipate higher unemployment in the coming year.
• Housing: Housing conditions remain among the worst, with few expecting improvement in the near term.
• Personal Finance: Many LMI individuals face poor financial stability, largely due to stagnant incomes, rising costs, and debt, with little optimism for improvement.

These findings underscore the continuing need for programs and services that strengthen financial resilience in LMI communities.

Source: Fed Communities

Financial Educators

SFEPD Financial Educators are continuing to spread our mission to enhance financial literacy and to promote the professional development of individuals and communities through our Mind Over Money Skills presentations at universities and colleges. Email us today at info@sfepd.org to schedule a presentation on your campus.

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