17 students from East Hartford High School and Connecticut IB Academy were selected for the Fall 2025 Financial Literacy and Innovation Program (FLIP) cohort at UConn. This program provides students from around Connecticut with critical financial skills and real-world business exposure.
“I had a longtime interest in personal finance and I believe that it’s very important for everyone in this world to learn about it as we come into an increasingly difficult economy,” said CIBA Junior Gavin Preuss about why he applied to the program. “It’s also a career that I’m interested in pursuing.”
Students are bussed from East Hartford to take part in six Saturday sessions on UConn’s campus. The program began on September 20 and runs through November 1. Through interactive learning and exposure to companies and business leaders, students are learning the basics and importance of personal finance, budgeting, investing, and saving money.
But in addition to gaining financial knowledge, students have financial incentive to complete the program. Participants earn a $35 stipend per session—up to $250 for attending all six sessions. Students who complete the program are also eligible for a $2,500 per year scholarship—up to $10,000 total—if they enroll at UConn.
“I feel like the $35 and the scholarship are more motivating for students, but I also feel the classes are beneficial for people who don’t really have that much experience in financial literacy,” said Taleah Davis, Junior at CIBA. “The takeaways from that class can really help you in the long run and help you manage your money.”
Jaylen Estrella, Senior at EHHS, said that has been his personal experience with the program thus far. Though the stipend and scholarship opportunities drew him to FLIP initially, he’s already learning practical financial tips he can apply to his life.
“After me going there twice, I began to learn new things about money, business and my financials,” said Jaylen. “At first, I was not financially stable. I used to get money and spend it, but now I know how to invest, get a bank, about different credit cards and debit cards, what to do and what not to do, and what to trust and what not to trust. So, I really appreciate them for teaching me what to do.”
12 students from EHHS are participating in the program: Angela Adu, Miriam Agyemang, Christiana Bawuah, Ama Ennin, Ashley Escalona Contreras, Jaylen Estrella, Janessa Garcia Vasquez, Cherish Opoku, Michelle Owusu, Tahsin Subah, Tyler Tishwell, and Alexa Velez.
Five students from CIBA are taking part: Taleah Davis, Katelyn Griffin, Jshaun Herbert, Ayanna Musumeci, and Gavin Preuss.