Supporting student financial skills through national competition

Being involved in this competition reflects our commitment to expanding access and helping people build confidence to make informed financial decisions. For students, that starts with practical, real-life skills, like creating a budget, building savings, managing credit and evaluating borrowing decisions to help shape their financial futures. By supporting programs that bring financial education into classrooms and communities, Huntington helps more young people gain the knowledge and tools they need to strengthen their financial well-being and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.

Two Huntington leaders — Donald Dennis, director of community development, and Jenny Jacobs, chief experience officer — served as judges for the National Personal Finance Challenge. They joined industry peers in evaluating students’ financial reasoning and case study presentations.

“As a community development leader, I see every day how financial confidence can shape stronger futures for individuals, families and neighborhoods,” said Dennis. “Serving as a judge for CEE’s National Personal Finance Challenge was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young people are given the tools to think critically, solve real-world financial challenges and lead in their communities.”

That same focus on building financial confidence is at the center of Huntington’s broader partnership with CEE and our commitment to investing in the potential of financial empowerment. It's grounded in the belief that knowledge, confidence and access enable individuals to make informed financial decisions and improve their long-term well-being. The partnership also supports community development by strengthening local economies, expanding opportunity and advancing long-term economic vitality through investments in education, partnerships and programs.

“Our partnership with CEE reflects what we stand for at Huntington: Looking out for people and investing in the communities we serve,” added Jacobs, who has represented Huntington on the CEE board for the past four years. “Through this work, we’re helping the next generation build strong financial foundations that can inevitably lead to stronger local economies.”