WKU News

Bowling Green, KY – The Center for Financial Success (CFS) at Western Kentucky University is excited to welcome 30 students to the 2025 Personal Finance Summer Camp! Designed for rising 10th through 12th-grade students, this immersive five-day experience offers hands-on personal finance education and an introduction to life on the Hill.

Abound Credit Union has been a key partner in advancing financial literacy across the region. Since first joining forces with the WKU Center for Financial Success in 2022, Abound has continued to expand its support—now in its fourth consecutive year of sponsorship. In 2025 alone, the Credit Union has contributed $30,000 towards the camp, bringing their total investment to almost $100,000. This sustained commitment continues to empower students with critical financial knowledge and real-world skills for long-term success.

"Investing in students is a win for all of us," said Ray Springsteen, Abound President/CEO. "An in-depth review of Financial Education with thirty high school-aged students is life-changing for them. Some students will already have a steady understanding of credit, budgeting, and compound interest –while others will remember the week of summer 2025 when local financial experts cared enough about their future to make all the confusing stuff make sense. We're here for the journey." Springsteen added.   

The multi-year sponsorship not only supports the camp's operational costs but also provides critical scholarships for attendees, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder students from participating in this transformative experience. Additionally, the funding expands the camp's programming, enhancing the overall educational impact.

The 2025 Personal Finance Summer Camp kicks off on June 15th, bringing students to WKU's campus for five days of immersive learning and fun. Campers will stay in residence halls and participate in a variety of hands-on activities, including personal finance workshops, leadership development sessions, and guest speaker presentations. A highlight of the week is the Financial Plan Case Study Competition, where teams develop and present a comprehensive financial strategy for a mock client. Campers will also visit local financial firms to gain real-world insights and connect with professionals who serve as mentors throughout the competition. WKU finance students will serve as camp counselors, providing guidance and support throughout the entire experience.

"We're thrilled to host the 5th Personal Finance Camp at WKU, where 30 high school students are building essential money skills that will serve them for life," said Andrew Head, Director-Center for Financial Success and Associate Professor. "It's always a pleasure to engage with these students as they discover not only the value of financial literacy but also new insights about themselves. We are deeply grateful to Abound Credit Union for their generous sponsorship, which reflects a true commitment to financial education and youth empowerment."

To learn more about the Personal Finance Summer Camp, please visit https://www.wku.edu/program/fincamp. 

WKU's Center for Financial Success (CFS): The Center for Financial Success is housed in WKU's Gordon Ford College of Business in Bowling Green, KY. The Center provides resources to help the university and regional community become financially informed and independent by leveraging 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.