Umatilla student develops financial literacy app for Native youth
NYU student Summer Wildbill is working with her tribe’s financial services program to create a financial literacy app focused on Native youth and economic empowerment
Summer Wildbill, a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and a student at New York University, is helping develop a financial literacy app for Native youth in partnership with Nixyáawii Community Financial Services and Cayuse Native Solutions, according to Underscore Native News and ICT. The app, called NativeCents, is intended to help young people better understand saving, investing and financial decision-making.
Wildbill said the project grew out of her own experience adjusting to college life in New York and recognizing gaps in financial education. According to Underscore Native News and ICT, the app will include lessons focused on emotional relationships with money and financial goal-setting. Dave Tovey, executive director of Nixyáawii Community Financial Services, said the project aligns with the organization’s efforts to expand youth financial education within the Umatilla community. Wildbill said she hopes the app will launch by the end of the summer.
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