Fall 2018 Course: Financial Literacy and Outreach Training

Please see below for a new opportunity from the ECON department, open to all majors who meet the criteria. 20 students will be selected for this experiential learning opportunity.

In Fall 2018, the Department of Economics will offer a new experiential learning opportunity for students: ECON488L: Applied Research Practicum – Financial Literacy Outreach and Training.  The FLOAT Program is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students to strengthen their knowledge of money management techniques, consumer credit and other banking services, and the evaluation of products and service providers.  Students will also learn ways to coach other individuals on making prudent decisions. The program is competitive; a maximum of 20 students will be selected to participate this semester. 

FLOAT is modeled after a program at the Wharton School of Business. The first several weeks of the semester will be spent discussing and evaluating sources of information on various financial literacy topics.  Later in the semester students will develop lesson plans and “fun” activities to teach financial concepts to high school and middle school-aged students. 

In addition to learning the fundamentals of financial literacy and developing lifestyle coaching skills, students will earn 1 credit through ECON488L - Applied Market Research Practicum: Financial Literacy.  Completion of ECON488L will also qualify participants to engage in a 2-credit service learning course in the following semester where they will work with after-school clubs in local secondary institutions. Participation in the service learning component is not required.

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Successful completion of both ECON200 and ECON201

• Cumulative GPA at the University of Maryland of at least 2.5.  A GPA waiver may be given to first semester UMD students only, based on the following

• for first semester freshman with AP credits for ECON200 and ECON201 the GPA requirement is waived

• for first semester transfer students, your GPA at your previous institution must be a 2.5 or above

• Ability to meet on campus Wednesday evenings from 6:00-7:30pm

Please find the application here. Completed applications may be submitted in person to the ECON Advising Office (3108 TYD) or by email to ugadvising@econ.umd.edu.