Scarlet to Black
The Kays Foundation Scarlet to Black Program for Financial Independence (Scarlet to Black, S2B) was created in April 2018 and started with our Director, Dr. Tew, sharing his financial wellness knowledge through presentations. After the first student workers were hired in August 2019, the program transformed into a peer-led financial wellness program with our Financial Wellness Interns creating their own materials, hosting events, and educating our students. Scarlet to Black strives to empower our students, with a specific emphasis on first-year students, with the knowledge and tools to make smart financial decisions and continue through their higher education journey.
What Do We Do?
To assist the Red Wolf Nation in achieving these goals, the S2B Program utilizes multiple avenues to reach students where they are. At the beginning of each academic year, every first-year student at A-State attends the First-Year Financial Wellness Boot Camp, where Dr. Tew provides a discussion on the importance of budgeting, how to budget, needs vs wants, debt, and planning for the future. Throughout the academic year, S2B hosts podcasts and blogs every other week in addition to regular information-sharing through tabling and social media. We also have special events such as our Duck Hunts, Card Cart, and more!
Students who are interested in a more in-depth coverage of financial wellness topics are encouraged to take FIN 2013, Personal Asset Management. The course is taught every semester by our Assistant Director and is open to any student on campus with no prerequisites required.
For those students who would like some one-on-one guidance, reach out to S2B to set up a meeting. We can assist you with developing or altering budgets, filling out FAFSA or scholarship applications, creating a resume or finding a job on campus, and so much more. These meetings can be done in-person, via videoconference, or through phone calls and emails.
“I wanted to join S2B to learn more about financial wellness and help my fellow students. It’s great being able to do both through the program!”
— Emily Willett, First Year Financial Wellness Intern
Talk to Us!
Members of Scarlet to Black have spoken to groups, classes, companies, and organizations with ages ranging from 3rd grade through soon-to-be retired. Topics have included budgeting, the stock market, economics, entrepreneurship, and other financial wellness topics. If you are interested in Scarlet to Black speaking to your organization or class, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Tew!
Dr. Philip Tew, PhD / JD 