UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — According to a study conducted by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), women incur larger student loan debts than men, yet earn an average of 22 percent less than their male counterparts after graduation.
To explore this topic and empower women with the knowledge they need to make important financial decisions, the Penn State Financial Literacy and Wellness Center, AAUW Pennsylvania, and AAUW State College will host ‘Deeper in Debt: Women and Student Loans’ from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10, in 110 Business Building.
A pre-program reception, with light refreshments, will begin at 5:45 p.m. in the Atrium Foyer, Business Building. The event is open to the public.
The panel discussion will address financial aid issues, academic choices, pay gaps in gender and race, federal and state funding for higher education, and provide ideas for those hoping to advocate for women students.
The panel’s moderator, Daad Rizk, director of the Financial Literacy and Wellness Center, said students are fully aware of the nature of student loan debt, but need practical solutions to help manage their debt now and into the future. “This event will focus on finding solutions,” said Rizk.
Penn State panelists include Courtney Horner, assistant director of federal and state programs in the Office of Student Aid; Rebekka Kuhn, academic adviser in the Division of Undergraduate Studies; and Amanda Wintersteen, director of federal relations in the Office of Government and Community Relations.
Connie Schroeder, program co-vice president for AAUW State College, said this program is important to help advance equity for women and girls. “We want to provide women with all of the available tools for controlling their own futures,” said Schroeder.
In addition to practical solutions, Rizk and Schroeder hope student attendees leave the session knowing that they are not alone, that student debt is a challenge across the nation, and that it’s important that they seek out trusted information before making financial decisions.
The session can be accessed via Zoom for those wishing to attend remotely, and all attendees will be included in a drawing for the chance to win two $50 Penn State Bookstore gift cards.
Though not required, attendees are asked to register in advance at financialliteracy.psu.edu.
The Financial Literacy and Wellness Center is part of Penn State Undergraduate Education, the academic administrative unit that provides leadership and coordination for University-wide programs and initiatives in support of undergraduate teaching and learning at Penn State. Learn more about Undergraduate Education at undergrad.psu.edu.