As the U.S. wealth gap continues to widen, the Society for Financial Education & Professional Development, a long-time financial literacy advocate, sees a solution in its “Mind Over Money Skills” Certification Program

WHAT:
Today, the Society for Financial Education & Professional Development (SFEPD) launches its first-ever certification program – Mind Over Money Skills. The eight-part Financial Literacy program is designed to equip college students, particularly at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed financial decisions and grow wealth. Each student who completes the course will receive a digital credential from Credly, the industry-standard credential management platform which enhances HBCUs ability to meet their financial literacy accreditation requirements. The certification’s pilot program launched in partnership with Hampton University in 2024 and has been considered a success.
“This program has equipped our students with game-changing knowledge about their personal finances. The material is crisp, clear, and relevant, and it resonates loudly with our students,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams. “I’m proud of our collaboration with SFEPD, and I look forward to continuing to make student financial literacy a core aspect of the Hampton University higher education experience.”
The Mind Over Money Skills financial literacy certificate has eight modules:
- Budgeting, Values, & Financial Goal Setting
- Student Loan Management
- Homeownership
- Retirement Planning
- Credit & Debt Management
- Insurance
- Investor Education
- Estate Planning
Each online digital credentialing module takes approximately one hour to complete and is available to all currently enrolled HBCU students for free.
WHY:
According to a recent report by the Urban Institute, white households in America have an average of $1 million more in wealth than Black and Hispanic households – and the gap continues to grow. SFEPD believes that teaching young students most impacted by this inequity how to make smart decisions with money to shape their financial health, stability and resiliency is a powerful way to change this.
“Data shows that only 1 of 20 students entering Historically Black Colleges and Universities has had a personal finance course,” said Founder and President of SFEPD Mr. Theodore Daniels. “The inclusion of the Mind Over Money Skills certificate, in college curriculum, will enable HBCUs to provide students with the financial knowledge and skills needed to ensure their success both while in school and long after graduation. In the long term, increasing financial literacy in young adults can equip them to make positive financial decisions for themselves and their families, strengthen the economy overall and close a widening wealth gap.”
Daniels also says, “The course is designed to address the financial challenges and needs of the Black community.”
WHO:
For 25 years, SFEPD has taught financial skills to people of all ages and backgrounds, with a focus on underserved communities and HBCU students.
WHERE:
Online at https://sfepd.org/flc/
Media Contact Information:
Contact Danielle Reed, Danielle@gomixte.com, to coordinate interviews with SFEPD Founder and President Mr. Theodore R. Daniels
About The Society for Financial Education and Professional Development
For nearly 25 years, SFEPD, based in the Washington, D.C. area, has served as an award-winning financial literacy and professional development nonprofit teaching financial skills to people of all ages and backgrounds with a focus on underserved communities. SFEPD is directed by President and Founder Ted Daniels, a global financial literacy leader. Learn more at www.sfepd.org. Connect with SFEPD on social media: