LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 9, 2026) — For freshman Ian Mattingly, investing isn’t just about today. It’s about building toward the future.
Mattingly, of Versailles, Kentucky, came to the University of Kentucky with some experience saving and investing. But through UK Invests, he is gaining firsthand experience managing an investment account of his own and learning more about investment strategies he can carry with him long after college.
A mechanical engineering major in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, Mattingly first learned about UK Invests during visits to campus.
“It sounded like too good of an opportunity to pass up,” said Mattingly, who is also a Lewis Honors College student. “I figured I’d join the program as soon as I could.”
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, Mattingly shares how the program has shaped the way he thinks about money.
UKNow: What interested you in joining UK Invests?
Mattingly: It sounded like too good of an opportunity to pass up. I had heard about it during my visits to UK and figured I’d join the program as soon as I could.
UKNow: Before participating in UK Invests, what did you know about investing or financial wellness?
Mattingly: I had some prior experience with the stock market and had maintained a bank account for the past couple of years, so I already knew about saving and investing.
UKNow: What is the most valuable lesson or skill you’ve gained through the program?
Mattingly: I think the biggest thing I’ve gained is more experience with index funds — and managing an investment account of my own. I didn’t have that experience before joining the program, and investing is something I plan to continue throughout my lifetime.
UKNow: How has participating in UK Invests influenced your experience as a UK student?
Mattingly: The Big Blue Start program has been a big part of that. It taught me a lot about what to expect on campus and in my daily life that I couldn’t get from a campus visit. It prepared me to be on my own and to advocate for myself.
UKNow: What advice would you give other students who are considering joining UK Invests?
Mattingly: Simple: Join. It’s a no-brainer to earn money you can invest for things you’re already doing in your daily life. It’s easy to set up and let it run, so it doesn’t take a lot of your time.
UKNow: What financial goal are you most excited about working toward in the future?
Mattingly: I’m excited to continue building my investments and eventually own a home. That’s my biggest financial goal.
Here’s a reminder on how UK Invests works:
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.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
