Entering My Financially Sustainable Era

Thrive Center’s Financial Wellness initiatives support holistic student well-being by recognizing the diverse identities, lived experiences, and challenges that shape each student’s academic and personal journey. This project supports a blend of their Financial Wellness and Teach & Share programs to reduce food and textile waste through a series of workshops. . “Entering my Financially Sustainable Era” seeks to empower students with knowledge and practical skills to make sustainable choices and support financial well-being. The first workshop series consisting of three workshops will support the ongoing Accessible Kitchen program which highlights strategies for minimizing food waste, incorporating low-cost nutritious ingredients, and maximizing budgets. Students will leave these sessions knowing estimated costs per meal from common grocery store prices or from utilizing the pantry. By developing cooking skills and sustainable food practices, students reduce unnecessary spending on food while contributing to waste reduction efforts. 

The second workshop series address the environmental and financial costs of fast fashion. Through interactive programming with support from CATalyst Studios, students will learn practical skills such as repairing and upcycling clothing, assessing garment quality, and exploring sustainable thrifting alternatives. These sessions encourage students to view clothing as a long-term investment rather than a disposable commodity, reducing financial strain and contributions to textile waste. 

The Campus Sustainability Fund will help fund two student  Peer Educators who will lead and develop the workshops.