Making every opportunity count: Ryan Hidek’s 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. (Sept. 25, 2026) — For many students, college is the first time they begin taking ownership of their finances.

University of Kentucky freshman Ryan Hidek, from Lyndhurst, Ohio, is one of them. Through UK Invests, he is learning the fundamentals of budgeting, investing and financial decision-making while beginning to build a foundation for his financial future.

Hidek, a civil engineering major in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering and student in Lewis Honors College,  joined UK Invests shortly after arriving on campus. What initially caught his attention was the chance to earn money through the program, while opening a brokerage account.

"They say nothing in life is free, but this is pretty darn close,” he said.

Before participating in UK Invests, Hidek had limited knowledge of investing. While a financial literacy course in high school introduced basic money management concepts, UK Invests has helped him develop practical skills he can use every day.

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, Hidek shares how the program has shaped his experience at UK and has helped him invest in his future.

UKNow: What interested you in joining UK Invests?

Hidek: I was interested in joining UK Invests because it seemed like a great opportunity. I would basically get free money each semester — my own brokerage account — and gain a lot of financial insight.

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

Hidek: Honestly, I didn’t know much about investing. I had taken a financial literacy class in high school, and that’s where I learned to not be stupid with money. Still, I always thought trading stocks seemed too complicated and risky.

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

Hidek: I'd say budgeting and keeping track of expenses are the most important skills I've learned so far. Knowing how to budget is super helpful when trying to prevent overspending. And seeing exactly what your money is going towards can help you decide if certain items are worth paying for.

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

Hidek: It's still early in the year, but knowing I'll get a bit of money each semester gives me something to look forward to!

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

Hidek: I would tell them — join. It's not free money, because nothing in life is free, but it's pretty darn close. While most students may not want to take the time to watch the presentations or utilize the resources, they do give you lots of ideas and strategies on how to keep your money safe and more importantly, make money off your money.

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

Becoming super rich! Making money from stocks would be pretty neat. I would be satisfied if I could figure that out.

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.