North Columbus News

In an initiative to boost financial literacy among young individuals, The Ohio State University recently collaborated with 40 high school students from central Ohio and Columbus-based financial experts. This partnership took place during the 2025 Financial Planning Academy held at Ohio State’s Columbus campus from June 23-27.

The academy, hosted by Ohio State's College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE), is one of five nationwide organized by Texas Tech University and supported by the Charles Schwab Foundation. Caezilia Loibl, a professor in EHE’s Department of Human Sciences, alongside George Rooney and Katelyn Tatum, administers this program aimed at improving students' grasp on personal finance.

“We cover all the main topics: cash and debt, investing and retirement,” Loibl stated. “We [also] do insurance and estate planning.”

Students participated in a case study involving financial planning for a fictional couple. They worked under the guidance of financial professionals and Ohio State finance majors to create plans that were evaluated for scholarships.

“It’s a case study about a couple who is doing well, but they have some financial issues and questions,” Loibl noted. “Texas Tech writes a case study every year, and it’s perfectly written for this audience.”

Participants presented their plans to judges comprising financial professionals who provided feedback. Students also pitched ideas for new financial firms with family members acting as mock investors.

“Each visitor – the parents, the siblings, the families – gets a thousand dollars of play money to invest in those ideas,” explained Loibl.

Binta Ndiaye, set to begin her studies at Ohio State in the fall after graduating from Cristo Rey Columbus High School, shared her insights gained during the academy about budgeting and personal finance management.

Cameron Uttley from John E. Sestina and Company praised the students’ inquisitive nature stating: “This group is going to have such a head start...”

Ohio State student Chase Studer highlighted his experience mentoring younger students: “I wanted to do this to learn myself...”

Diamond Zimmerman, an alumna now with NorthAvenue Financial Advocates, emphasized how participants gained valuable knowledge on managing finances early in life.

“I think they’re gaining a deeper appreciation for how hard their parents work...,” she commented. “They’re getting this excellent information at a very early age that will no doubt have a good impact on the rest of their lives.”