More than 30 years ago, DST Systems, Inc. (acquired by SS&C Technologies in 2018) began recognizing outstanding university students with the annual Gould Scholastic Award. Students are given a topic to explore in an academic paper as an entry to be considered for the award. This year’s topic asked entrants to examine wealth disparity and economic inequality as a social, political and economic influence on our world, and the challenges and opportunities for expanding financial literacy, access to and participation in financial markets, and expanding wealth accumulation.
Trenton Kiesling of Truman State University was awarded first place, with a $10,000 scholarship. Kiesling took a global perspective in his paper, exploring how the economic development stage of a given country determines the specificity and degree of various financial barriers. As such, financial equality initiatives must be tailored to each country. Kiesling also advocates for young professionals to pursue socially responsible jobs, help create programs to solve wealth inequality, and support policies that advocate for national financial inclusion.
Second place went to Aaliyah Aramjoo of Rockhurst University, with a scholarship of $7,500. Aramjoo discussed how the path to deficient financial education begins within the broader education system itself, with schools in lower-income areas being less likely to offer financial literacy courses, if they offer such courses at all. This educational disparity can be amplified for groups such as immigrants, where there may also be a language barrier. Aramjoo argues for increased financial education at the high school level, as well as outreach initiatives in underserved communities.
Noah Brende, also of Rockhurst University, received the $5,000 third-place scholarship for his analysis of how the lack of financial education in schools, systemic discrimination against minority populations, and unequal access to the internet and connected devices widen the wealth gap. Brende proposes combating economic inequality through education programs targeting Pre-K through adult audiences, outreach that considers a population’s access to technology (or lack thereof), and community clubs led by student volunteers.
We recognize and support the future leaders in the industry as part of our ongoing commitment to invest in the research and technology that propel the financial industry forward. Contact us to learn more about the Gould Scholastic Award.
