Utah Valley University (UVU) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 8, 2026, to unveil the UVU FinTech Center (UFTC), a technology-driven learning hub powered by the Charles Schwab Foundation. Located in the Scott C. Keller Building, the center significantly expands opportunities for students in UVU’s finance programs, including the nationally recognized financial planning and wealth management (FPWM) program, recently ranked third in the nation and first in the West.
“Because of my classes at UVU, I walked into my internship already knowing how to use financial planning software, which made a huge difference early on,” said Jenna Smith, chief marketing officer for the Personal Financial Planning Association, a UVU student organization. “The FinTech Center further sets UVU students apart and gives more students the same head start.”
The UFTC supports and accelerates the momentum of UVU’s Department of Finance, which has earned national attention for student achievement, industry partnerships, and innovative curriculum. Students gain hands-on experience with technologies reshaping financial services, including data analytics, blockchain applications, digital assets, financial automation, and emerging advisory platforms.
“This new center builds on the extraordinary success of our finance and FPWM programs,” said Bob Allen, Ph.D., dean of the UVU Woodbury School of Business. “Our students are already winning top national competitions, earning prestigious scholarships, and being recruited by the best firms in the country. The FinTech Center will further elevate their preparation and expand their access to cutting-edge tools and technologies.”
Made possible by Schwab Advisor Services in partnership with the Charles Schwab Foundation’s investment, the UFTC provides space for classes, workshops, guest speakers, research initiatives, and student-run projects at the intersection of finance and technology (fintech), bolstering experiential learning for UVU’s finance-focused student associations.
“We’re very pleased to support UVU’s new FinTech Center. This partnership will give students hands-on experience with the tools shaping our industry and open doors to meaningful careers in financial planning,” said Lisa Salvi, managing director of business consulting and education at Schwab Advisor Services.
UVU’s FPWM program distinguishes itself as one of the most competitive programs in the country, earning four consecutive national championships at the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) Knowledge Bowl, top placements at the Financial Planning Association (FPA) Financial Planning Challenge, and multiple wins in other national competitions. Students have also earned the RIA Talent Advantage Student Scholarship four years in a row.
