Schwab Foundation supports new ASU Financial Access and Research Lab

June 15, 2023

Schwab Advisor Services, in partnership with the Charles Schwab Foundation, is providing generous support in the launch of a new W. P. Carey School of Business finance lab. The Charles Schwab Foundation Financial Access and Research (FAR) Lab will contribute to the school's community through increased financial access and literacy tools, experiential learning opportunities for students, and timely and relevant information for student asset managers.

“We are honored to be partnering with Arizona State University to empower the next generation of changemakers in the financial services industry,” said Bernie Clark, head of Schwab Advisor Services. “The University Grant Program will provide its students with the resources and experiences needed to succeed in their chosen profession and increase access to the industry.” The W. P. Carey School of Business building. The state-of-the-art lab space will have access to innovative tools and subscription-based datasets, and will allow W. P. Carey students and others in the ASU community to prepare for wide-ranging careers in finance. Download Full Image

The five-year gift includes support for outfitting a state-of-the-art lab space with access to innovative tools and subscription-based datasets. This immersive on-campus experience will allow W. P. Carey students and others in the ASU community to prepare for wide-ranging careers in finance — including banking, asset management, advisory and corporate finance functions.

A devoted and well-equipped lab space deepens the opportunities available for students who arrive with an intent to pursue finance, as well as sparks interest for those without prior finance exposure, enabling a better understanding of the opportunities available and skills required in the financial services sector across a diverse student body. Renovations for the space are scheduled to begin this fall, with a grand opening expected in fall 2024.

“The generous gift from our partners at Schwab is key in building an innovative and accessible finance lab for W. P. Carey students. This space will provide outstanding learning opportunities for our students while training them to meet organizational needs in financial services firms immediately upon graduation,” said Ohad Kadan, Charles J. Robel Dean and W. P. Carey Distinguished Professor.

W. P. Carey has the No. 16 finance program for undergraduates in the country, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. As of spring 2023, more than 1,600 W. P. Carey students are majoring in finance and will directly benefit from this partnership.

Molly Loonam

Copywriter, W. P. Carey School of Business

molly.loonam@asu.edu

High school teachers aim to replicate success statewide in ASU Impact Corps

People sitting at a large conference table.

Twelve Arizona teachers attended the inaugural ASU Impact Corps retreat earlier this month on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus. The program brings together high-achieving teachers from around the state to share best practices.The three-day retreat included networking, learning about the resources ASU offers to K–12 schools, and creating a framework for a statewide teacher mentorship pro...

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High school teachers aim to replicate success statewide in ASU Impact Corps

Inaugural cohort networks, plans mentorship program at 3-day retreat

June 15, 2023

The three-day retreat included networking, learning about the resources ASU offers to K–12 schools, and creating a framework for a statewide teacher mentorship program. People sitting at a large conference table. ASU Impact Corps members met for three days at the university's Tempe campus to network and plan a statewide mentorship program. Photo courtesy ASU Download Full Image

The ASU Impact Corps is run by the ASU Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence (DCEdEx). The cohort was selected using Postsecondary Feedback Reports (PSFR) data to identify high schools across the state whose graduates go on to do exceptionally well in specific disciplines at the state’s three public universities. The 12 teachers represent seven high schools from both large districts and rural areas across the state who had students who went on to succeed in STEM fields.

The cohort heard from representatives from ASU groups working directly with K–12 schools, including: Joe O'Reilly, Rebecca McKay and Chris Osuna from DCEdEx; Gina Conner from the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College; Meg Grothman and Jason Denison from EdPlus’ Digi+ tool and ASU Prep Digital; and Kim Reynolds from the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute. Erin Hart, education policy advisor to Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, also spoke to the group.

Impact Corps members were recognized for their contributions to Arizona’s K–12 system and commitment to sharing promising practices and resources with educators across the state at a Recognition Ceremony at Old Main’s Carson Ballroom.

The opening remarks were given by ASU President Michael Crow, who congratulated the members and emphasized ASU’s support of all Arizona students.

“At ASU, we’re trying to break down the barriers between the university and K–12. We’ve been building tools, systems and devices to make things happen. You all are warriors in the sense that you’ve figured out how to produce very successful outcomes. We’re trying to find ways to make that success ubiquitous," Crow said.

Michael Crow standing in front of a room of people sitting at tables.

ASU President Michael Crow gives the opening remarks at the ASU Impact Corps Recognition Ceremony at Old Main on June 1.

Photo courtesy ASU

People sitting at a conference table with screens behind them.

Decision Center staff and Impact Corps members kick off their retreat at the Decision Theater, exploring data tools and visualizations that focus on Arizona's education system.

Photo courtesy ASU

People standing along the perimeter of a room, some clapping.

Impact Corps members, guests and Decision Center staff meet for a welcome reception on the first day of the retreat.

Photo courtesy ASU

During the summit, members explored several tools built by DCEdEx that allowed them to view data related to the community, as well as environmental and social factors affecting the educational trajectories of students in their own communities.

As the teachers dug into academic data on how high school graduates fare in the state’s public universities, they highlighted strengths and identified areas to target for improvement. Using this data, along with their own experiences, the members will lead mentor events throughout the state over the 2023–24 academic year.

“You need something that will keep you intellectually challenged, keep you professionally stimulated,” said Impact Corps member Grazyna Zreda of Tanque Verde High School. “I want to keep going so I keep learning and incorporating new ideas. If I keep growing, then I am modeling that for my students.”

Teachers in the first cohort of the ASU Impact Corps: