The Role of Emerging Technologies in Financial Aid Literacy: Theory and Practice

• In Event: Roundtable Session 78
  In Roundtable Session: Precollege Access Factors

Abstract

Ensuring access to college for low-income students does not simply entail educating students in core subjects. The inability to navigate the financial aid process is a result of ineffective guidance, which is a significant barrier to college access and success. Although low-income students have fewer avenues to learn about financial aid, emerging technologies are increasing opportunities for access and development of financial aid literacy. In this paper, authors describe a financial aid intervention – an online game - developed with support from the U.S. Department of Education and the Gates Foundation. Theoretical and empirical research informs the development of the game and asserts the value of capitalizing on technology to more effectively engage underserved youth through the financial aid application processes.

Authors

• Vanessa Monterosa, University of Southern California

• Zoe Corwin, University of Southern California