ACE 241 gives Illinois students real-world financial skills through hands-on ‘Action Learning Project’
When students enroll in Agricultural and Consumer Economics 241: Advanced Personal Finance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, many expect a traditional course with many lectures and challenging tests. But what they find instead is an immersive, practical experience designed to strengthen financial literacy and prepare them for the real world. A component of the course that makes it different from others is the Action Learning Project. Students are then able to apply classroom concepts to benefit communities beyond campus.
“One of the primary objectives of this course is to enhance students' understanding of personal finance topics. An effective way to achieve this is to have students prepare engaging educational material to present to the community. The Action Learning Project is a group assignment in which students work with a community partner to create personal finance education materials based on course content and current personal finance research,” said Professor Tapiwa Sigauke, a teaching assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Illinois.
Learning personal finance by doing
Throughout this class, students learn budgeting strategies, Excel skills, and long-term planning for life. The aspects of this course bring meaning to critical life skills that are necessary in the workplace and personal life. While there may be lectures, this class invests its time into its students through experiential and kinesthetic learning.
“I had the opportunity to give back to a community through my own work and research,” said Amber Hwang, a former ACE 241 student. “It was exciting to know that I could help improve the financial literacy of others, as I believe it is fundamental for all persons to learn how to use their money in a smart way that is best for them.”
Sigauke highlights how students take classroom learning and apply it to meaningful, real-world projects, building confidence and practical skills. For Sigauke, it is important that students gain more than technical knowledge: “Students deepen their understanding by teaching others, build confidence, and develop essential communication skills,” she said.
Building lifelong financial habits
The course also changed how Hwang thinks about her own finances. “After taking this class, I learned how important it is to use time to my advantage. It really taught me how I need to view money as something I must accumulate for the betterment of my future, and the only way to begin that is to start now.”
ACE 241 is for those who enjoy a structured class, with relevant and timely information that allows for growth and stability in the financial world. Sigauke emphasizes how the course prepares students for future financial decisions, both in their personal life and in professional settings. According to Sigauke, “Students learn accountability, teamwork, and the value of community engagement — all skills employers value.”
Creating lasting impact for their communities
The Action Learning Project reinforces an important message: financial literacy is a shared responsibility, and students can play a meaningful role in supporting their communities. For Hwang and many others, the course becomes a turning point in how they view money, responsibility, and service.
“One of the most rewarding parts is seeing students engage with the community and realize the impact of their work,” said Sigauke. “These interactions help them build confidence and see the relevance of what they’ve learned.