COSTA MESA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 4, 2025--
A four-student team from Fisk University took the top prize in the #IYKYK Pitch Competition (If You Know, You Know) for their business idea to make financial literacy and credit education a rite of passage for young adults, sponsored by Experian and HomeFree-USA.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250304866286/en/
Nicknamed Team FinLit, Ansana Regmi, Destiny Marshall, Remilekun Ore and Sovit Lekhak earned a $40,000 scholarship for their proposal, “FinLit HQ.” It’s a personalized gaming experience for teenagers that helps them develop good financial habits and combat money dysmorphia. As they enter their early twenties, users move onto more advanced app-based credit education via gaming missions for real-world financial scenarios, such as buying books at college, renting an apartment, financing a car, and eventually purchasing a home. Because the proposed app would be integrated with Experian SmartMoney, Experian Boost and Experian Go, users would strengthen their real-life credit score as they play in preparation for making informed financial decisions as young adults.
“We realize there’s a knowledge gap within the younger generation about credit. You don’t give someone a car and ask them to drive on the road without any practice. You shouldn’t push young people into the financial world without any education. One small mistake can impact you for years and that’s why FinLitHQ is for users starting as young as 13,” said Ansana Remi, a junior computer science major from Fisk University and captain of Team FinLit.
The #IYKYK Pitch Competition, powered by Experian’s B.A.L.L. for Life initiative, challenged students to create a solution that makes financial literacy and credit education a rite of passage to young people coming of age, including those who are not part of the credit ecosystem. Credit invisibility – meaning without a credit report or credit score – affects 40% of consumers under 25 years of age. Credit invisibility disproportionately affects people of color: 28% of Black consumers, 26% of Hispanic consumers, compared to 16% of White and Asian consumers.
The competition was the culmination of the Experian Credit Academy created for the Center for Financial Advancement® (CFA). Five hundred students from 16 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) came together in live sessions with Experian credit education experts and self-paced modules. Finalists from Bowie State University and Talladega College also presented their ideas live at Experian’s North America headquarters and each team received a $10,000 scholarship.
"We are thrilled to see students fully embrace the pitch competition challenge. Their deep connection bridging the gap in credit education knowledge, and passion for sharing what they’re learning with their communities are inspiring. At Experian, our goal is to make credit education not only informative but also fun, exciting, and culturally relevant. Seeing the enthusiasm and dedication from these students reaffirms our commitment to this mission with HomeFree-USA and the Center for Financial Advancement," said Raudy Perez, Senior Director of External Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Partnerships for Experian North America.
“Education is designed for students, yet their voices can sometimes be missing from the process. Experian’s #IYKYK Pitch Competition allows students to take what they've learned and apply it to real-life scenarios. Learning by doing is powerful, and in this experience, students deepen their understanding of credit and financial literacy by actively engaging with the material and sharing their knowledge with others,” said LuWanna Williams, University Director for the Center of Financial Advancement™.
As part of its mission of financial inclusion and empowerment for all, Experian partners with HomeFree-USA to provide continuing education for its housing counselors and resources for their clients. The company created the Home Preservation Grant, which supported homeowners at risk of losing their homes due to COVID-related hardships with credit education and mortgage relief. Inclusion Forward – Experian Empowering Opportunities™ harnesses Experian’s data, analytics and technology to help clients provide more affordable credit access to diverse communities. To learn more about Experian’s work in diverse communities: visit www.experian.com/diversity.
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About HomeFree-USA
HomeFree-USA is a nonprofit started by Marcia and Jim Griffin in 1994 with a vision to close the homeownership gap. The organization gives African Americans the guidance they need to achieve and sustain homeownership, and bridges the gap between financial strength and homeownership for people of color across America.
As a HUD-intermediary, HomeFree-USA serves the diverse interests of 6.3 million consumers through its nationwide network of over 50 affiliated community-based nonprofits that specialize in guiding people to first-time homeownership, sustainability and increased financial capacity.
For more information visit: https://homefreeusa.org/.
About Center for Financial Advancement ™
The Center for Financial Advancement™ (CFA) is a solution to the industry’s call for more diversity. HomeFree-USA partners with, recruits, trains and places students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) into internships and careers in partnering mortgage, real estate, and financial services companies. Participating CFA Scholars are exposed to credit, money management and homeownership in order to become a savvy consumer and future homeowner.
About Experian
Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and software. We also assist millions of people to realize their financial goals and help them to save time and money.
We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agrifinance, insurance, and many more industry segments.
We invest in talented people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data and innovate. As a FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 22,500 people across 32 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at experianplc.com.
The four scholar team from Fisk University celebrates after winning the 2025 #IYKYK Pitch Competition (If You Know You Know) sponsored by Experian, HomeFree-USA and the Center for Financial Advancement for their idea promoting credit education to teens and young adults. (L-R Remilekun Ore, Fisk University; Michele Bodda, Experian President of Employer Services, Verification Solutions and Housing; Destiny Marshall, Fisk University; Wil Lewis, Experian's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Talent Acquisition Officer; Ansana Regmi, Fisk University; and Sovit Lekhak, Fisk University.) (Photo: Business Wire)
The four scholar team from Fisk University celebrates after winning the 2025 #IYKYK Pitch Competition (If You Know You Know) sponsored by Experian, HomeFree-USA and the Center for Financial Advancement for their idea promoting credit education to teens and young adults. (Photo: Business Wire)
NEWARK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 15, 2026--
PGIM, the $1.4 trillion 1 global investment management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. ( NYSE: PRU ), today announced a series of enhancements to its Jennison equity exchange-traded fund (ETF) lineup.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260615232651/en/
These initiatives are intended to create a more streamlined and consistent equity ETF platform, enhancing access to Jennison’s fundamental, research-driven investment capabilities across market segments and further aligning the lineup with evolving investor demand.
The platform enhancements include:
“Investors and advisors are increasingly looking for actively managed ETFs that are low-cost, clearly defined, and easy to implement across portfolios,” said Stuart Parker, head of Global Wealth, PGIM. “These enhancements reflect our commitment to meeting that demand by delivering a competitively priced and comprehensive ETF platform.”
These efforts come after the recent launch of the PGIM Jennison U.S. Core Equity ETF (PJUS). The ~100-stock core portfolio is informed by Jennison’s fundamental, bottom-up investment approach, which emphasizes in-depth research and security selection while maintaining disciplined control of factor and risk exposures.
Overall, the platform enhancements will result in a streamlined equity ETF lineup that’s organized around two distinct investment styles: core and focused. Core strategies are designed to provide diversified core equity market exposure, while focused strategies will offer complementary higher-conviction portfolios in each market segment.
“For more than five decades, Jennison has been built on the conviction that rigorous, bottom-up fundamental research is the foundation of long-term outperformance,” said Ken Moore, head of Jennison. “By streamlining and expanding our ETF lineup, we are making Jennison’s research-driven investment capabilities more accessible to a broader set of investors.”
PGIM’s ETF platform offers over 60 actively managed ETFs across equity and fixed income asset classes. PGIM is the 11th-largest active ETF provider 2 with $27 billion in assets under management. 1
Founded in 1969, Jennison manages $190 billion in client assets across a range of equity and fixed income investment strategies. 1 Original fundamental research, specialized investment teams, strong client focus, and highly experienced investment professionals are among the firm’s competitive distinctions.
Learn more about PGIM’s growing lineup of actively managed ETFs at pgim.com.
ABOUT PGIM
PGIM is the global asset management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. ( NYSE: PRU ), with $1.4 trillion in assets under management. 1 PGIM offers clients deep expertise across public and private asset classes, delivering a diverse range of investment strategies and tailored solutions — including fixed income, equities, real estate and alternatives. With 1,500+ investment professionals across 40 offices in 20 countries, we serve retail and institutional clients worldwide. For more information visit pgim.com.
Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI) of the United States is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential plc, incorporated in the United Kingdom, or with Prudential Assurance Company, a subsidiary of M&G plc, incorporated in the United Kingdom. For more information please visit news.prudential.com.
Jennison Associates is a registered investment advisor under the U.S. Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and a Prudential Financial company. Registration as a registered investment adviser does not imply a certain level or skill or training.
Jennison Associates LLC has not been licensed or registered to provide investment services in any jurisdiction outside the United States. Certain investment vehicles are distributed or offered through Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (also a Prudential Financial Company) or other affiliated entities. Additionally, vehicles may not be registered or available for investment in all jurisdictions. Please visit jennison.com/important-disclosures for important information, including information on non-U.S. jurisdictions.
Jennison Focused Value ETF Risk Disclosure
As an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF), risks of investing in the Fund include, but are not limited to the following: The Fund is subject to authorized participant concentration risk and the risks of transacting in cash versus in-kind. ETFs may trade at a premium or discount to net asset value and may lack an active trading market. Additional costs may be incurred when transacting through a broker. Equity and equity-related securities may be subject to changes in value, and their values may be more volatile than those of other asset classes. Value style investing may be out of favor for long periods of time, and the market may not recognize a security’s intrinsic value for a long time or at all. Foreign securities are subject to currency fluctuations and political uncertainty. Large-capitalization companies go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions; the Fund’s value may not rise or fall as much as the value of funds that emphasize companies with smaller market capitalizations. At times, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in the same economic sector, making the Fund more vulnerable to developments in that sector. There is no guarantee the Fund’s objective will be achieved. Risks are more fully explained in the Fund’s prospectus.
Jennison International Opportunities ETF Risk Disclosure
As an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF), risks of investing in the Fund include, but are not limited to the following: The Fund is subject to authorized participant concentration risk and the risks of transacting in cash versus in-kind. ETFs may trade at a premium or discount to net asset value and may lack an active trading market. Additional costs may be incurred when transacting through a broker. Growth-style investing may subject the Fund to above-average fluctuations as a result of seeking higher than average capital growth. Equity and equity-related securities may be subject to changes in value, and their values may be more volatile than those of other asset classes. Foreign securities are subject to currency fluctuations and political uncertainty. Emerging market investments are subject to greater volatility and price declines. Geographic concentration may cause the Fund’s performance to be closely tied to the market, economic, political, regulatory or other conditions in the countries or regions in which the Fund invests. At times, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in the same economic sector, making the Fund more vulnerable to developments in that sector. As a non-diversified fund, investments in the Fund involve greater risk than investing in a diversified fund because a loss resulting from the decline in value of any one security may represent a greater portion of the total assets of a non-diversified fund. Investments in currency may result in a decline in the Fund’s net asset value due to changes in exchange rates. There is no guarantee the Fund’s objective will be achieved. Risks are more fully explained in the Fund’s prospectus.
PGIM Jennison U.S. Core Equity ETF Risk Disclosure
As an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF), risks of investing in the Fund include, but are not limited to the following: The Fund is subject to authorized participant concentration risk and the risks of transacting in cash versus in-kind. ETFs may trade at a premium or discount to net asset value and may lack an active trading market. Additional costs may be incurred when transacting through a broker. Equity and equity-related securities may be subject to changes in value, and their values may be more volatile than those of other asset classes. The Fund’s blend investment style may subject the Fund to the risks of both value and growth investing. Large-capitalization companies go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions; the Fund’s value may not rise or fall as much as the value of funds that emphasize companies with smaller market capitalizations. As a non-diversified fund, investments in the Fund involve greater risk than investing in a diversified fund because a loss resulting from the decline in value of any one security may represent a greater portion of the total assets of a non-diversified fund. The Fund’s concentration in certain securities may cause the Fund to be adversely affected by the performance of those securities. Foreign securities are subject to currency fluctuations and political uncertainty. The Fund has a limited operating history and investment positions may have a disproportionate impact on performance. Derivatives may carry market, credit and liquidity risks. The Fund uses quantitative models. Securities or other investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market or from expected performance. There is no assurance that these methodologies will produce the desired results or enable the Fund to meet its objective. There is no guarantee the Fund’s objective will be achieved. Risks are more fully explained in the Fund’s prospectus.
Consider a fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other information about the fund. Contact your financial professional for a prospectus and summary prospectus. Read them carefully before investing.
Investment products are distributed by Prudential Investment Management Services LLC, member FINRA and SIPC. PGIM Investments is a registered investment advisor and investment manager to PGIM registered investment companies. Jennison Associates (Jennison) is a registered investment advisor. All are Prudential Financial affiliates. PGIM is the principal asset management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI), and a trading name of PGIM, Inc. and its global subsidiaries and affiliates. © 2026 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. PGIM, PGIM Investments, Jennison Associates, Jennison, and the PGIM logo are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.
This material is being provided for informational or educational purposes only and does not take into account the investment objectives or financial situation of any client or prospective clients. The information is not intended as investment advice and is not a recommendation. Clients seeking information regarding their particular investment needs should contact their financial professional.
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS | Are not insured by the FDIC or any federal government agency | May lose value | Are not a deposit of or guaranteed by any bank or any bank affiliate
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“For more than five decades, Jennison has been built on the conviction that rigorous, bottom-up fundamental research is the foundation of long-term outperformance.” --Ken Moore, Head of Jennison
“Investors and advisors are increasingly looking for actively managed ETFs that are low cost, clearly defined, and easy to implement across portfolios.” --Stuart Parker, Head of Global Wealth, PGIM
