WKU News

Bowling Green, Ky. – The Western Kentucky University Center for Financial Success (CFS) Sponsored by Abound Credit Union welcomed 53 high school students from across the region for its 6th annual Personal Finance Summer Camp.

The weeklong residential camp provided rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a hands-on learning experience focused on developing the financial knowledge and the decision-making skills needed for long-term success. Through hands-on activities, workshops, case studies, and mentoring opportunities, students explored budgeting, investing, credit management, wealth building, and financial goal setting.

“Camp offers high school students a chance to take a deep dive into what it takes to manage their money successfully, build generational wealth, reach their goals, and be equipped for the challenges of the next phase of their lives,” said Zachary Jones, Director of the WKU Center for Financial Success Sponsored by Abound Credit Union. “It is truly a life-changing experience. We are fortunate to have an incredible sponsor in Abound Credit Union that has generously invested in the lives of our campers and made this program possible. We are thankful for their passion for elevating communities through financial education and for being such great partners.”

A highlight of the camp was the Financial Plan Case Study Competition, where student teams developed and presented comprehensive financial strategies for a mock client. Campers also participated in leadership development sessions, heard from industry professionals, and visited financial institutions to gain firsthand exposure to careers in finance and banking.

Since partnering with the WKU Center for Financial Success Sponsored by Abound Credit Union in 2022, Abound Credit Union has played a key role in expanding access to financial education opportunities for students throughout the region. Through both financial support and employee engagement, Abound has helped make the camp an impactful experience for hundreds of young people.

Ray Springsteen, President and CEO of Abound Credit Union, said supporting WKU's Personal Finance Camp is consistent with Abound's long-standing commitment to financial education and community impact.“This program helps students build real confidence in managing their money while giving them the opportunity to explore careers in banking and connect with business leaders. For more than 76 years, our mission at Abound has been simple—improving the lives of our members and the communities we serve. When we invest in financial education, we’re helping young people develop the knowledge and skills they need to build successful futures, and that’s something we truly care about at Abound.”

For more information about the WKU Center for Financial Success Sponsored by Abound Credit Union and future camp opportunities, visit WKU Personal Finance Camp.

WKU’s Center for Financial Success Sponsored by Abound Credit Union (CFS): The Center for Financial Success, sponsored by Abound Credit Union is housed in WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business in Bowling Green, KY. The Center provides resources to aid the university and regional community in becoming financially informed and independent by utilizing a combination of faculty expertise, peer-to-peer coaching, and applied financial planning education. 

Abound Credit Union:

Abound Credit Union, a leader in Financial Education, has been providing valuable banking solutions to help hardworking Kentucky families thrive for more than 75 years. Today, we have 20 locations, $2.4 billion in assets and over 120,000 military and civilian Members. The Credit Union has been recognized for its leadership in Financial Education at the state and national level. Abound was named a Defense Community Champion 2023 and is one of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky for 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. It’s simple to become a Member, visit our website at AboundCU.com to see how you may be eligible.