Alternative Spring Break Group Leaders will work with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life to develop an immersive learning experience that will position participants effectively as knowledgeable advocates and active, engaged co-creators of a thriving democracy and civic culture.
Topics will emerge from Group Leaders’ curiosity about Baltimore and social issues.
Past Group Leaders have explored a variety of questions, such as:
Applicants can choose to explore those questions or propose new ones.
Ideally group leaders will work in pairs (two leaders for each group, sharing responsibilities). You can identify your potential partner when you apply or we can propose matches for you. Working in pairs is not a requirement, but in our experience it works very well.
Now colleges and universities themselves are pulling together more permanent solutions, often in collaboration with local housing authorities and non-profit partners.
In some cases, colleges and universities are trying to avoid losing enrollment; not surprisingly, students in unstable living environments or who can't afford food have poorer physical health, symptoms of depression and psychological stress, and are more likely to drop out, research shows.
"Higher education is not a social service agency, and we recognize that," says Ed Mirecki, dean of students at the University of Washington–Tacoma... "But on the other hand, if we really are focused on increasing access and providing these [educational] opportunities for students, we have an obligation to help support their success and that means creating these support structures around affordable housing and food insecurity.""
Retriever Essentials is proud to be on the forefront of addressing basic needs insecurity in our campus community. Visit our website to find more information on referral services on and off campus that can help you find security and provide a structured pathway to academic success!
Happy Money Smart Week!
Please join us this week to get some great financial literacy knowledge!
Almost all of our events have $25 raffle entries for attendees!
]]>On March 11, UMBC’s Financial Literacy and Education Committee was recognized in Annapolis by the General Assembly and the non-profit groups CASH Campaign of MD, the Maryland Council of Economic Development and the Maryland Department of Education as the recipient of the 2019 Financial Education and Capability Award – Community Champion Award. The award highlights the dedication and success of organizations that deliver financial education including budgeting, savings, investment, credit, debt, financial decision-making and understanding values and habits about money. The recognition included a $1,000 cash award.
More on the 2019 Financial Education and Capability Awards -https://youtu.be/tgvKYEvTSkU. (Video Credit: MD State Department of Education).
The UMBC Financial Literacy and Education Committee (FLEC) is comprised of campus partners (both internal and external) committed to the goal of providing our students timely and relevant resources to be as well-prepared to manage their budgets, bank accounts, assets and debts, as they are to master their academic pursuits. FLEC plans and coordinates the delivery of UMBC’s FinancialSmarts program which include the FinancialSmarts CashCourse (a 7-module online course), myBudget Coach (one on one budget coaching), Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (free tax preparation), Credit Café (one on one credit counseling), the Financial Education Playlist (3-5 minute interactive financial education modules) and the annual Financial Literacy Enthusiast Contest and Award. In addition to these programs, each year, hundreds of first-year students engage in personal financial management topics through UMBC’s Introduction to an Honors University (IHU) seminar.
This year, FLEC launches its inaugural signature event, Money Smart Week @UMBC (April 1-6). Among other goals, Money Smart Week aims to build student awareness of the importance of financial literacy in overall personal wellness and success. Money Smart Week activities include Ca$h Cart, Credit Cafe, A Comedic Guide to Money, Home Buying Seminar, Rich Grad-Poor Grad, Alternative Funding Sources for Student Orgs, and much more! For more information on Money Smart Week, see attached flyer or visit financialsmarts.umbc.edu.
Congratulations to the following UMBC Financial Literacy and Education Committee members and campus partners for their commitment to ensuring UMBC students are “not just educated, financially smart!.”
Committee Members:
Whitney Ames, Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation
Evan Avila, Undergraduate Student, Economics and Political Science, ‘20
Cheryl Benitez, University Health Services
Heather Brown, Student Business Services
Kate Drabinski, Gender and Women’s Studies
Isabel Garrido, Graduate School
Jane Hickey, Financial Aid and Scholarships
Sasha Hudson, Financial Services
Colleen Lindbeck, Financial Aid and Scholarships
Yvette Mozie-Ross (Co-Chair), Enrollment Management
Jill Randles, Academic Engagement and Transition Programs
Hannah Sadollah, Undergraduate Student, Biology and Psychology, ‘19
Trisha Wells (Co-Chair), Professional Studies
Campus Partners:
CashCourse
Guidewell/CCCSMD
Higher One
PNC
TIAA
SECU
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UMBC provides many resources for the campus community to best prepare for tax season and to learn about financial literacy!
Check out these upcoming free tax preparation events with UMBC VITA, a group of trained student volunteers who prepare tax returns for free. Eligible clients earn less than $55,000 in household income. Appointments are required. Email VITA@UMBC.edu to request an appointment.
April is also Career Month at UMBC, and there will be many events taking place around financial literacy and career readiness!
Check out more
details and find upcoming events hosted by Financial Smarts @ UMBC!