Grow Financial Literacy & Planning Clinic
About the Clinic
Our Mission
The mission of the Grow Financial Literacy and Planning Clinic is to enhance financial wellness through accessible, research-based financial education. We support undergraduate students at USF while advancing financial literacy instruction for teachers and schools throughout Tampa Bay.
By offering peer-led coaching, workshops, and educator support, the clinic helps individuals develop lifelong money management skills and promotes confidence in personal financial decision-making.
Partners
Grow Financial Federal Credit Union
Grow Financial Federal Credit Union is a member-focused, not-for-profit financial institution dedicated to improving the financial well-being of individuals and communities. Guided by its mission to “serve people, not profit,” Grow Financial provides accessible banking solutions, financial education, and community-driven initiatives that empower members at every stage of life.
Through its strong commitment to financial literacy, community engagement, and inclusive access to financial services, Grow Financial plays a vital role in supporting programs like the clinic, helping individuals build confidence, make informed financial decisions, and achieve long-term financial success.
Gus A. Stavros Center
The Gus A. Stavros Center for Free Enterprise and Economic Education at the University of South Florida is a nationally recognized leader in advancing financial literacy and economic education. With a mission to integrate free enterprise, personal finance, and economic concepts into K–12 education, the Stavros Center equips educators with the tools, resources, and training needed to bring real-world financial knowledge into the classroom.
Through innovative workshops, strategic partnerships, and hands-on programming, the Stavros Center plays a critical role in strengthening financial education across Florida and beyond, empowering both educators and students with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions.
Bull2Bull Financial Education Partnership
The clinic collaborates with Bull2Bull Financial Education Program, a peer-to-peer financial education initiative at the University of South Florida designed to enhance the financial wellness of undergraduate students. Grounded in research-backed peer education models, Bull2Bull equips students with the knowledge and tools needed to build financial awareness and make informed decisions.
Through this partnership, the clinic supports Bull2Bull’s programming and extends its reach by delivering guest speaking sessions in college classrooms. This collaboration reinforces key financial concepts through a relatable, student-centered approach while expanding access to financial education across campus.
Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay
The clinic collaborates with Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay, a nonprofit dedicated to preparing students for success through financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship education. Through experiential, real-world learning opportunities, Junior Achievement helps students connect classroom concepts to practical financial decision-making.
As part of this partnership, Student Financial Coaches volunteer at Junior Achievement Finance Park, where they support interactive simulations that allow students to apply budgeting, saving, and spending decisions in a real-world context. This hands-on experience reinforces key financial concepts and helps students build confidence in managing their financial futures.
Student coach model overview
Our Student Financial Coach model is central to the clinic’s impact. Coaches are students in the University of South Florida’s Personal Financial Planning program who complete training and certification through the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC), equipping them with both academic knowledge and practical expertise. They support financial literacy initiatives led by partners such as the Stavros Center and Bull2Bull and deliver guest speaking sessions in high school and college classrooms. Through a peer-to-peer approach, they make financial concepts more accessible, engaging, and relevant to the audiences they serve.
Personal Financial Planning Program
The University of South Florida’s Personal Financial Planning Program at USF is a CFP® Board Registered Program that prepares students for careers in financial planning through a comprehensive curriculum covering budgeting, investing, insurance, and retirement planning. The program emphasizes both technical knowledge and ethical decision-making, equipping students with the skills needed to support individuals in achieving long-term financial well-being.