The Middle Tennessee State University equestrian team has made a remarkable advancement to the IHSA Nationals following an outstanding display at the Western Semi-Finals. The squad, known as the Blue Raiders, outperformed more than 20 other teams, earning a total of 40 points and finishing eight points ahead of their nearest competitors, Midway University. This achievement took place at MTSU’s Tennessee Livestock Center in late March, where both riders and horses demonstrated precision and teamwork. With preparations now underway for the national event at Tryon International in North Carolina this May, the team continues to build on its growing reputation in collegiate equestrian sports.
Set for April 11, the 2024 Midsouth Supply Chain Summit will bring together professionals and academics at MTSU’s Jones College of Business. The summit aims to address current challenges and innovations in supply chain management, particularly in the wake of disruptions caused by the global pandemic. Scheduled from early morning until evening, the program will delve into themes like international logistics, leadership growth, and gender diversity within the industry. Headlining the event is Mike Honious, CEO of Geodis Americas, whose keynote speech promises expert perspectives drawn from years of overseeing complex distribution networks across continents.
In parallel, April serves as a platform for financial education at MTSU, highlighted by a special presentation from Michael “Bootcamp” Thomas on April 10. A respected figure in veteran support and personal finance, Thomas will emphasize practical strategies for building financial independence. His session comes amid growing concern over the lack of retirement readiness among Americans, reinforcing the importance of informed money management. In alignment with this mission, MTSU offers scholarships to encourage student participation, reflecting the university’s broader goal of equipping learners with essential life skills beyond the classroom.
Through competitive success, thought leadership, and real-world education, MTSU continues to cultivate a learning environment that nurtures both professional ambition and personal responsibility. Whether on the riding field, in academic forums, or through life skills training, the institution remains steadfast in preparing students to thrive in diverse and demanding arenas.
In a combined effort to promote financial literacy among young people, Regions Bank and OneUnited Bank have launched impactful programs aimed at equipping the next generation with essential money management skills. Regions Bank introduced its 15th monthly Share the Good® initiative, focusing on helping learners build financial confidence through educational workshops and community partnerships across the Southeast, Midwest, and Texas. Simultaneously, OneUnited Bank announced its 14th Annual “I Got Bank” contest, offering ten children a $1,000 savings account each upon submission of creative projects related to financial literacy. Both initiatives highlight the growing emphasis on early financial education as a tool for long-term personal and community prosperity.
Community Engagement Meets Financial Learning
In April 2024, during National Financial Literacy Month, Regions Bank rolled out its latest Share the Good® campaign, mobilizing employees to deliver financial wellness education in local schools and organizations. With a focus on middle and high school students, Regions associates conducted interactive sessions designed to foster responsible financial decision-making. The bank’s Making Life Better Institute® has played a pivotal role in aligning these volunteer efforts with broader goals of community enrichment and economic empowerment.
Meanwhile, OneUnited Bank took a creative approach by launching its annual youth-focused contest. Children aged 8 to 12 from anywhere in the U.S. are invited to submit a book, essay, or artwork that illustrates how they would apply financial knowledge in daily life. Submissions are accepted until June 28, 2024, with winners announced by late August. Each selected participant receives a $1,000 savings account, encouraging them to begin building their financial future early. The program also offers free digital resources to support families and educators in nurturing sound money habits.
These coordinated efforts reflect a shared mission between both institutions: to instill confidence and competence in financial matters from an early age, ensuring that tomorrow’s adults are well-prepared to navigate economic challenges.
As a journalist observing this trend, it's inspiring to see banks stepping beyond traditional roles to become educators and mentors in financial literacy. By investing in youth through structured learning and creative engagement, these institutions are not only shaping individual futures but also laying the groundwork for stronger, more resilient communities. Programs like Share the Good® and “I Got Bank” prove that financial education is no longer an afterthought—it’s becoming a cornerstone of civic responsibility and sustainable growth.
Financial education is undergoing a creative transformation, with digital influencers and unconventional tools leading the charge. Neobank Chime has partnered with TikTok personality Allison Baggerly to introduce a unique product—a budget-focused coloring book designed to simplify personal finance. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in financial literacy by transforming budgeting into an engaging and artistic experience. The 29-page book blends practical planning with playful design, offering monthly expense trackers alongside illustrations that users can color while mapping out their finances.
The collaboration taps into a growing trend where learning meets creativity, making complex topics more digestible. Baggerly, known for her accessible budgeting advice on social media, translated her digital lessons into this tangible format. The project was enhanced by illustrator Steffi Lynn Tsai, whose vibrant visuals infuse the book with optimism. The idea is not just to teach budgeting but to make it feel approachable and even enjoyable. For many, managing money can seem intimidating or dull, but the act of coloring serves as a gentle entry point, encouraging users to start small and build confidence over time.
Chime’s decision to offer the book at a minimal cost reflects its broader mission to improve financial understanding among Americans, especially those who missed formal education on the topic. The bank acknowledges that traditional methods often fail to engage users meaningfully. By teaming up with influencers and leveraging platforms like TikTok, Chime meets people where they are—both digitally and emotionally. This strategy mirrors wider shifts in consumer trust, where relatable voices often resonate more than institutional messaging. As financial institutions adapt to changing expectations, initiatives like these highlight the importance of innovation, accessibility, and emotional connection in building lasting relationships.
When education becomes interactive and inclusive, it empowers individuals to take control of their futures. The fusion of art and finance exemplifies how creativity can unlock understanding, turning once-daunting concepts into everyday practices. In a world increasingly driven by personalization and authenticity, success lies in meeting people with empathy, clarity, and a touch of joy.