Making every opportunity count: Mallory Ellis’ UK Invests story

Throughout the fall semester, UKNow will spotlight University of Kentucky students who are putting UK Invests lessons into practice and building the knowledge and habits they need for a successful financial future.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 2, 2026) — Building healthy financial habits early can give college students a head start on planning for the future.

Freshman Mallory Ellis, of Winchester, Kentucky, is already thinking beyond her college years. Through UK Invests, she is learning the importance of saving and investing, while building financial habits that can benefit her long after she graduates.

Ellis, who is double majoring in neuroscience and psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, was drawn to UK Invests because of the opportunity to earn money by participating in activities she was already planning to attend.

“It felt like a simple way to turn something I was already doing into an investment in my future,” she said.

Before enrolling in UK Invests, Ellis already had some familiarity with personal finance. She took a dual-credit personal finance course in high school, and her father’s interest in investing also gave her an early introduction to the concept.

Launched in 2022, UK Invests helps students become healthier, wealthier and wiser by building a foundation of financial education and healthy habits. Through the program, students complete online financial education modules, open brokerage accounts and earn funds from the university by engaging in activities that promote success — from attending financial education sessions to building career skills, participating on campus and prioritizing physical and mental health.

Since its launch less than four years ago, more than 18,000 students have opened investment accounts — earning nearly $3 million in university-funded rewards. Collectively, student investments are projected to exceed $9 million at the next quarterly update at the end of the month.

The program’s growing reach will also be showcased this fall through a new partnership with UK Athletics. The UK Invests logo has been featured on Kentucky Football jerseys as the team’s Official Jersey Patch Partner. The partnership will help introduce more students, families and fans to the program and highlight the ways UK Invests is helping students build financial confidence and prepare for their futures.

UK Invests was initially implemented in phases, beginning in Fall 2022 with UK student-athletes who deposited their NCAA Alston Awards earnings into UK Invests brokerage accounts after completing financial education programs. UK Invests then expanded to the full undergraduate, graduate and professional student body population in Fall 2023 and has quickly become one of UK’s most successful student initiatives to date.

In this UK Invests student spotlight, Ellis shares how the program has shaped the way she thinks about money.

UKNow: What interested you in joining UK Invests?

Ellis: I was drawn to the idea that, by participating in events I was already planning to attend, the university was giving students an opportunity to receive financial compensation that could grow over time. It felt like a simple way to turn something I was already doing into an investment in my future.

UKNow: Before participating in UK Invests, what did you know about investing or financial wellness?

Ellis: I took a dual-credit personal finance course in high school, which gave me an early introduction to topics like budgeting, saving and investing. My dad is also really interested in investing, so it was something I had been exposed to and heard about at home. Those experiences gave me a foundation and made me interested in learning more about how I could make smart financial decisions for myself.

UKNow: What is the most valuable lesson or skill you've gained through the program?

Ellis: I’ve learned that by doing simple tasks that help me academically, I can also earn financial assistance. By the time I graduate from UK, I’ll have had the opportunity to grow that investment — and hopefully leave college with a stronger financial foundation.

UKNow: How has participating in UK Invests influenced your experience as a UK student?

Ellis: Participating in UK Invests has not only made me more mindful of money and spending but has also taught me the importance of investing and saving for my future.

UKNow: What advice would you give other students who are considering joining UK Invests?

Ellis: Don’t be afraid to go to The Study or watch seminars. Every small action you take each week can add up to hundreds of dollars by the end of the semester, and that money can continue to grow when it’s invested.

UKNow: What financial goal are you most excited about working toward in the future?

Ellis: I’m looking forward to continuing to set aside and save money for my future beyond college. I know the habits I’m building now will be valuable after I graduate, and I want to carry what I’ve learned through UK Invests with me as I begin my career and take on more financial responsibilities.

Here’s a reminder on how UK Invests works:

• Students can create a brokerage account and learn about financial wellness through iGrad (a leading financial education provider).
• Students can earn money by practicing and participating in healthy behaviors and habits — beginning with financial education and expanding to building employability skills, getting involved on campus and prioritizing physical and mental wellness.
• As part of this initiative, the university is working with Fidelity Investments to ensure students are empowered to make deposits in their future investment opportunities that can help them reap a lifetime of benefits for themselves, their families and their communities.

UK Invests is available to all undergraduate, graduate and professional students — helping participants build financial knowledge, strengthen healthy habits and invest in their future.

To learn more about the program and how to get started, visit ukinvests.uky.edu.