Project Overview
Hello! My name is Breanna Latouche and for my Senior Project I planned and facilitated a Budget Workshop for students to learn basic budgeting skills that will help them make the most out of their college experience. This project was inspired by the experiences of students trying to manage their finances. I wanted to provide a space where students could learn and ask questions for their personal benefit.
Planning and Approval
I began my project by planning out the details of the Workshop for three days with an hour long session for each. During that time it would be split into an intro, a guest presentation, and a concluding segment. After finalizing these details I consulted my mentor, Brother Bean, and approved the details.
Collaboration
After receiving approval, I reached out to different local businesses and campus organizations to teach the workshops. I reached out to individuals/organizations like Financial Aid, Edward Jones, and Peer mentoring. Peer mentoring agreed to come as well as a professional from Prestige Financial Counseling, Melanie Hathaway.
Time Management
To maintain organization I created a detailed timeline outlining tasks and deadlines. This process was essential in keeping tasks on time and making adjustments when needed.
Scheduling
I reserved a venue on campus since the school allows students to schedule rooms for free, I decided the Smith building on campus would be the best spot. Coordinating with the scheduling involved multiples call about changing the dates, rooms, and arranging for equipment. I familiarized myself with the campus’s policies on promotion for campus activities. According to campus policy the workshop was a personal event and I could only get approval to promote it through my college department. If I wanted the event to be promoted campus wide that would require 6 months in advance approval and through a college department or class.
Promotional Material
The event needed to incorporate a color scheme with warm tones of orange and blue accents. I used a Canva template and ideas from ChatGPT for an informational flyer that was shared both digitally and physically.
Additionally I created a notebook for students that contained a budget sheet, local resources, a habit tracker, and a note page. The notebook underwent multiple revisions to enhance clarity and balance.
I created a poster that shared the effects of financial stress on students, which I presented at the Senior Showcase and to BYU-Idaho Leadership. The poster maintained the color scheme and theme of the workshop so that it was balanced and informational.
In preparation for the workshop I bought supplies and accommodated to the needs of students with food allergies and sensitivities. To ensure a safe and inclusive environment prepackaged food items were provided. Although more costly it ensured the safety of attendees.
Two weeks before the event, presenters were sent a detailed plan of the event and a request for an outline of their presentation. I made arrangements with the printing office for the notebooks and bought pencils for those in attendance.
Finally the workshop came! I sent instructions to Melanie about parking and a map of where to go. Through the help of friends, I brought my supplies and had everything set up in time.
The first workshop was very successful and engaging. 21 students came and participated. Melanie talked about debt, credit, credit scores, and ways to repair it. It was amazing to see how everyone was engaged and asking questions.
For the second workshop a representative from Peer Mentoring came and shared information on splitting up your expenses between wants and needs. This workshop had a lower attendance, but still shared very good insights and information.
The third and final night of the workshop Melanie taught about budgeting, different ways to budget, and touched on credit. She provided a worksheet with information that students could look back on.
Brother Dorman from the Wealth Management Society joined and shared information about resources provided on campus. Brother Dorman mentioned a possible future budget workshop in the fall semester taught by Wealth Management Society Members. Overall the event was a success and helped many students with their finances.
