Braun Financial Literacy Program earns grand prize in national Zipcar competition

The student-run Braun Financial Literacy Program at William & Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business won grand first prize in Zipcar's Students with Drive Competition.

The following story originally appeared on the website for W&M's Raymond A. Mason School of Business. - Ed.

The student-run Braun Financial Literacy Program at William & Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business has earned national recognition, taking the grand prize in Zipcar's Students with Drive Competition.

The nationwide award honors student organizations that are creating meaningful change in their communities.

The official results, posted on Zipcar's Students with Drive announcement page, place William & Mary alongside a competitive field that included Columbia University, the California Institute of Technology, the University of Washington and Harvard University.

For the students behind the Braun Financial Literacy Program, the recognition reflects years of steady commitment to expanding access to practical financial education.

"Our students continue to raise the bar for what engaged learning looks like," said Brett Hammond, visiting professor of finance and faculty executive director of the Boehly Center for Excellence in Finance. "This award speaks to their initiative, their professionalism and their dedication to serving others."

The competition invited student groups to demonstrate how they are making a difference on their campuses and beyond. Braun Financial Literacy Program members highlighted how smart transportation choices, such as using Zipcar rather than owning a vehicle, can free up meaningful resources for long-term savings and investment. The message aligned naturally with the program's mission: helping individuals build confidence, avoid financial insecurity and make informed decisions that support their goals.

Zipcar provides on-demand access to cars and vans by the hour or day, offering a flexible alternative to traditional car ownership. On college campuses, where expenses add up quickly, the ability to reduce transportation costs can make a tangible difference in a student's financial outlook.

"The heart of BFLP is service," Hammond said. "Our students are passionate about giving their peers the tools to take control of their financial futures. This recognition affirms the impact they are having."

The prize funding will allow the program to expand student engagement initiatives and reach even more members of the campus and local community. With a growing slate of workshops, partnerships, and outreach efforts, BFLP aims to deepen its presence and broaden its impact in the years ahead.

The winning submission was produced by Boehly Center student videographers Andre Nguyen '26 and Lukas Ricardson '28, whose work helped bring the team's ideas to life.

BFLP is led by a dedicated team of students and advisors, including advisor Kendyl George, Pawan Kc '26, graduate student Ben O'Neill, Ada Woo '27, Joshua Yoo '26, and Milo Weisbroth '27. Together, they have built a program that reflects William & Mary's commitment to student leadership and public purpose.

"We are proud of Lucas, Andre and the entire Braun Financial Literacy Program," Hammond said. "They have represented the university with integrity and creativity."

As the program looks ahead, the national spotlight offers both validation and momentum. For BFLP's student leaders, the goal remains simple: equip others with the knowledge and confidence to make financial choices that open doors rather than close them.

Raymond A. Mason School of Business staff, Senior Associate Director of University News

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