What is the Financial Literacy Academy?
Samantha Broncano
Staff Writer
Imagine graduating from college not only with a degree but with the confidence to manage your finances, make smart money decisions, and build a secure future. That’s exactly what the Financial Literacy Academy (FLA), founded by Dean Mark Schild, strives to achieve at Seton Hall University.
The Academy’s mission is to make financial knowledge accessible to every student, no matter their major. Whether you are studying business, nursing, or communication, FLA aims to place real-world financial education at your fingertips. From building strong credit and managing student loans to planning your financial life after graduation, the Academy provides the tools and resources every student needs to thrive. This fall semester, the Academy hosted an on-campus workshop focused on Budgeting, which was a complete success. Students learned how to create realistic spending plans, track their expenses, and understand how small daily decisions can impact long-term financial goals. The enthusiasm and participation at this event showed just how eager students are to take control of their financial futures. The Financial Literacy Academy plans to host more sessions in the upcoming spring semester, expanding topics to include saving strategies, investing
basics, and credit building. Each session is designed to be interactive, practical, and engaging because learning about money should feel empowering, not intimidating.
The FLA doesn’t stop at Seton Hall’s campus. On November 4th, members of the Academy visited Bridgewater-Raritan High School to teach three key areas of financial literacy: Budgeting for College, Building Healthy Credit Habits, and Understanding Student Loans. Through dynamic presentations and interactive activities, Seton Hall students helped high schoolers better understand the importance of making informed financial decisions early on.
Hina Poobalan, a junior Finance major and one of the presenters, reflected on her experience: “My favorite part was getting to connect with them on a personal level by sharing how these topics have impacted my own life; it made the information feel more relatable and meaningful to them.”
This outreach effort reflects what makes the Financial Literacy Academy so special. It’s not just about learning; it’s about giving back. Thanks to the dedication of Deans Mark Schild and Christopher Kaiser, Professor Danielle DiMeglio, our committed faculty, and motivated students, the FLA continues to grow as a powerful bridge between Seton Hall and the wider community.
Students who are passionate about financial literacy and eager to make a difference both on and off campus are encouraged to join the Financial Literacy Academy. The program’s mission extends far beyond numbers and budgets, it’s about empowerment, confidence, and leadership. Members develop not only financial skills but also public speaking, teamwork, empathy, and networking abilities that prepare them to excel in any career. To become part of this growing community, email karpenni@shu.edu expressing your interest. You’ll be added to a Microsoft Teams group where you’ll receive updates about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and future workshops.
At the Financial Literacy Academy, learning goes beyond the classroom. It’s about transforming the way we think about money, our goals, and our future. As FLA continues to expand its reach and impact, one thing is certain, Seton Hall students are not only preparing for their professions but also for life itself. Stay tuned for more workshops, collaborations, and opportunities to grow with us. The best is yet to come!
Contact Samantha at samantha.broncanochavez@student.shu.edu