The F.L.I.G.H.T. (Financial Literacy Insight, Growth, Help and Teachings) program
is devoted to assisting the Southern Miss community on their journey toward becoming
financially successful. Our program is designed to provide a hands-on approach in
financial education to prepare students, parents and the public in creating financial
stability to thrive at the University and as members of the community. The F.L.I.G.H.T.
program provides financial literacy, workshops, and materials to current students,
prospective students, and members of the community. We utilize federal and state provided
resources to provide the most up to date and credible information at all times.
It is vital for Southern Miss students to receive adequate financial literacy education
since academic success and financial stability coincide. For many students, they are
obtaining their first jobs, living on their own for the first time, trying to help
provide for their families, buying or saving for their first automobiles, and juggling
various other financial obligations alongside financing their education. Although
scholarships can supplement, and in some cases fully finance, a student’s college
education, personal finances will always be a factor in their long-term success.
Through the F.L.I.G.H.T. Program, we have partnered with iGrad to bring financial
literacy to the entire University in a cohesive and extensive platform that is easy
to use.
iGrad is an interactive, online platform that offers a suite of tools designed to
provide Southern Miss students with knowledge on financial topics, including budgeting,
financial aid, banking, investing and more. There are videos, calculators, articles,
recommendations, games and other resources that can help them improve their finances.
The platform is free to all currently enrolled students, faculty and staff.
F.L.I.G.H.T. Ambassadors is a student organization designed to enhance the financial
wellness of USM’s undergraduate students. F.L.I.G.H.T. Ambassadors utilize research
and a peer-to-peer education model to increase the knowledge of financial awareness
across campus. They provide financial education and awareness to students through
presentations, individual coaching sessions, outreach tables and resource referrals.
Their purpose is to teach and promote financial literacy campus-wide, so students
feel empowered to achieve their financial goals. They believe that no one understands
the needs and concerns of students better than fellow students!
******We offer educational services only such as coaching sessions, workshops, and
events. We do not provide investment, legal, or tax advice. The information provided
is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to substitute for the
advice of your investment, legal, and/or tax advisors or to be the basis of specific
trading or investment activities. If you need investment, legal, and/or tax advice,
please consult with a professional.
If you are planning to attend Southern Miss in the fall directly after your high school
graduation, we have outlined some helpful resources to help make sure that you have
the proper knowledge to secure your financial needs and prepare your student(s) in
learning about basic money management. Start with learning key financial terms, deadlines
and procedures for our University, and where to find corresponding information.
Complete your General Application and apply for additional USM scholarships in the
GO System: There are over 900 other scholarship opportunities open to USM students.
Utilize a reputable scholarship search site, such as https://www.fastweb.com/: Fastweb
is your connection to scholarships, colleges, financial aid, part-time jobs, internships,
additional financial literacy resources, and more.
Search scholarship opportunities provided by organizations within your community,
parent or guardian's employer, or scholarships associated with student organizations
that you are an active member: Make all awards payable to Business Services.
Complete your FAFSA for all federal aid opportunities: grants, federal work-study, federal loan opportunities,
and some private loan opportunities: Contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional questions about this process. Also, remember that the Office of Undergraduate
Scholarships requires a FAFSA to be on file for scholarship consideration.
Explore First Year Programs provided through Center for Student Success at USM by visiting https://www.usm.edu/new-student-retention-programs/
Every year students should complete the General Application in the GO System, apply
for additional scholarships, complete a new FAFSA, and review all deadlines. In addition
to these items, we also recommend the following:
Apply for additional student programs through the Center for Student Success, such as Academic Coaching, Sophomore Spark, Jubilee Scholars, Transfer Student Association,
and more: Many programs offered through various offices at Southern Miss offer additional
scholarships to participants. Many programs offered through various offices at Southern
Miss offer additional scholarships to participants.
Not only are these resources and programs a great asset to your development as a student,
but they can also help in covering college expenses. They also provide hands on experiences
and student engagement within individual campus communities.
Utilize our Financial Wellness resources before, during, and after college to assist with various financial needs
and gaps.
Become actively engaged on campus and in the community by finding the right volunteer
opportunity through the Inclusion and Multicultural Office
Consider taking the Personal Finance 200 course offered at USM as an elective to learn
more about managing your own personal finances
In addition to taking advantage of the above resources, seniors should begin planning
for graduate school, interviewing for jobs, and/or preparing financially to tackle
any student loan payments and personal expenses associated with life after graduation.
Utilize our Financial Wellness resources before, during, and after college to assist with various financial needs
and gaps.
Make an appointment with Career Services to cover your basis: resume, sharpen your interview skills, networking, job seeking
skills
Attend the Career and Internship Expo, Teacher Job Fair, and utilize Handshake through Career Services.
Career Services encourages students of all classifications (Freshman - Alumni) to
attend the Career and Internship Expo. They believe that students should begin networking
and speaking with employers as early as Freshman year, so that they can grow in their
confidence with connecting to employers.
Review Graduate School Deadlines and Graduate Admissions processes at Graduate Admissions
Complete your General Application in the GO System and apply for scholarships: All University offered scholarships are located in the
GO System, including scholarships for graduate students
View the Funding Resources tab on Graduate Admissions' website for a list of additional ways to fund your studies