W. P. Carey School of Business, Phoenix Union launch financial literacy partnership

Program to focus on improving financial decision-making for high school students


August 18, 2023

As Camelback High School students return to school this fall, 150 of them will complete a new program focused on improving financial literacy.

A new partnership between Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) and the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University hopes to boost practical financial knowledge in young people, leading toward better financial outcomes for students and their communities. Small wooden house next to stacks of coins. A new partnership between Phoenix Union High School District and the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University hopes to boost practical financial knowledge in young people, leading toward better financial outcomes for students and their communities. Photo credit Shutterstock Download Full Image

Laura Lindsey, chair of the Department of Finance at W. P. Carey, explains, “We hope to empower young people to take control of their financial lives at an earlier age, reducing barriers to financial well-being.” Lindsey and Atif Ikram, clinical associate professor of finance and faculty director in the MBA program, worked to develop the course curriculum with a team of faculty from the finance department, alongside administrators and teachers at PXU.

Incorporating new financial literacy components into an economics class that already exists, students will tackle topics such as budgeting, taxes, debt management, retirement, insurance and more. Students who earn a "C" or above have the option to earn college credit through dual enrollment in ASU's universal learner courses, which are offered via ASU's Learning Enterprise, the university's unit for advancing universal access to learning at all stages in life.

W. P. Carey School alumnus and Dean’s Council member Bart Faber, '69 BS in finance, first proposed the idea and is financially supporting the program through its first iteration. Thanks to Faber’s support, the W. P. Carey School plans to fully scholarship the credits so financial barriers do not interfere with a student’s ability to take advantage of the program.

“I’m honored to be a part of this new program bringing quality financial education to young people in the Valley,” Faber says. “Over 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. We hope early financial literacy education can play a role in breaking that cycle and teaching students sound financial habits.”

“This new program is an excellent way for our students to not only learn vital life skills, but also a way to introduce them to college and show them they are capable of earning college credits,” says Tony Camp, executive director for teaching and learning at PXU.

James Arndt, principal of Camelback High School, is thrilled to launch a program with such potential for impact. “We greatly appreciate W. P. Carey’s partnership on this effort. We commit to our students ‘achieving readiness in college, career and life,’ and this program helps make that promise a reality.”

The program is one key way the W. P. Carey School of Business is honoring its mission to take responsibility for the well-being of the communities it serves. Financial literacy is also an area of strategic focus for the school. A separate program offering graduate courses to K–12 teachers on personal finance topics is also launching this fall.

“W. P. Carey recognizes financial inclusion as a key enabler for economic empowerment and future prosperity. It can be a valuable cornerstone to driving student success while in school, and to make sound financial decisions throughout their lives,” says Ohad Kadan, Charles J. Robel Dean and W. P. Carey Distinguished Chair in Business. “As a business school, we not only need to engage with banks and corporations, but also in helping individuals make better financial decisions. Through the financial literacy program and our partnership with Phoenix Union High School District, we are investing in Arizona students and families.”

Those interested in contributing to the program can do so via the Department of Finance Development Fund.

Emily Beach

Director of Communications, W. P. Carey School of Business

(602) 543-3296

Cronkite School welcomes new Humphrey Fellowship cohort


August 18, 2023

Distinguished international journalists, communicators and scholars from around the world have arrived at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University to embark on a transformative journey. The Cronkite School is hosting the prestigious Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, a Fulbright Exchange program, with 11 experienced, mid-career professionals from emerging democracies.

Over the next 10 months, this cohort of Humphrey Fellows will gain expertise in the areas of investigative journalism, fighting disinformation and facilitating press freedom. In addition, they will build relationships and partner with Cronkite faculty and staff to promote a global perspective on journalism and communications.  Exterior of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication building in downtown Phoenix. Named in honor of former U.S. Senator and Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, the Humphrey Fellowship stretches back to 1978. Its purpose is to uphold the values of democracy and social justice, offering professionals from developing nations an opportunity to study at American universities. Photo courtesy ASU Download Full Image

The fellows will live in downtown Phoenix, take courses, conduct research and receive mentoring from Cronkite School faculty. Julia Wallace, professor of practice, has been appointed as curator of the Humphrey Fellowship at ASU. 

“We are delighted to work with the fellows to help them develop plans to return to their country and make a difference,” Wallace said.

This endeavor is conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and Institute of International Education. The highly competitive fellowship attracts more than 6,000 professionals who apply through their embassies and are chosen by multiple committees abroad and in the U.S. before being placed at one of the 13 partnering universities. 

The Cronkite School is the only journalism and mass communication school to host the Humphrey Fellowship program. This is the Cronkite School’s 14th year working with fellows in the media and communications field. 

Named in honor of former U.S. Senator and Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, the program’s roots stretch back to 1978. Its purpose is to uphold the values of democracy and social justice, offering professionals from developing nations an opportunity to study at American universities.

“I am thrilled to welcome the new cohort of Hubert H. Humphrey fellows to Arizona State University,” said Juan Mundel, executive director of Cronkite Global Initiatives. “These talented individuals will have the opportunity to learn about American culture, develop a career plan for their return home, and make lifelong friends with their peers, faculty and staff. I am confident that they will make a positive impact on our community and on the world.” 

Collage of portraits of the 2024 Humphrey Fellows.

This year’s cohort represents nine countries, including two nations that are represented for the first time: Peru and Georgia. Among them is Belén Tavares, a veteran journalist from Peru, who wants to master the skills to produce impactful journalism.

“I look forward to learning about new media business models and media management in order to offer another type of content that has a social impact, bringing innovation to the current journalistic formats and reaching a much wider audience worldwide,” Tavares said. “I also expect to gain a deeper understanding of the U.S., a country that is inspirational for the fields of journalism and documentaries.”

Tufan Neupane, a senior subeditor with the Kantipur Daily in Nepal, said he wants to improve his investigative reporting skills and learn how to integrate data into his work.

“As a journalist, I’m looking forward to learning investigative reporting techniques, utilizing data and online tools effectively,” Neupane said. “I’m equally eager to master innovative storytelling methods that will enhance the appeal and impact of my stories.”

2023–24 Humphrey Fellows:

Rocio Baro, Cuba

Tamuna Chkareuli, Georgia

Camille Diola, The Philippines

Riazul Haq, Pakistan

Seoka Hwang, South Korea

Mariatu Kabba, Sierra Leone

Elzat Kydyrmysheva, Kyrgyzstan

Golden Matonga, Malawi

Tufan Neupane, Nepal

Seungshin Seo, South Korea

Belén Tavares, Peru

Jamar Younger

Associate Editor, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication