Exploring the Link Between Fun and Engagement in Financial Literacy

This study examines the effectiveness of financial literacy event engagement by extending prior literature findings that indicate lower levels of financial literacy among non-white student populations. The authors created a campus-wide financial literacy fair, collaborating with the university's branding department to theme the event accordingly. At the fair, students were required to participate in a panel session, where they could ask industry experts questions about financial decisions, and then play financial-themed games led by their peers. Students earned tickets for prizes and free food by completing activities. Students could choose to opt in to having their demographic information accessed so the authors could analyze the demographics of the participants. Working with the institutional research office, the authors examined the demographics of student participants compared to the overall student population. The results suggest that incorporating fun into financial literacy event branding may attract populations in greater need of the content and resources provided.