Dr. Raya Laephuang
This presentation summarizes my research and helped me achieve my doctoral title.
Published research available on ProQuest.
Research Continued…
Did you know that nearly 60% of young adults lack basic financial literacy, and that this gap can directly impact their future success, mental health, and generational wealth? I am conducting critical research titled 'The Importance of Financial Literacy”. The research is an extension of my dissertation topic, “The Impact of Financial Literacy Education for High School Students”. During my dissertation, I learned that only 26 states required or in the process of requiring financial literacy lessons to high school students before graduation. This lack of education is likely to be a contributor to adults facing financial issues such as poor budgeting and high debts.
In today's world, young people face more financial decisions than ever—student loans, credit cards, budgeting, investing, and navigating an increasingly digital economy. Yet, most are never taught how to handle money responsibly. The consequences? Debt, poor credit, delayed milestones like homeownership, and even long-term financial instability. My research investigates the root causes of financial illiteracy among young adults, evaluates the effectiveness of existing programs, and proposes data-driven solutions to improve education and outcomes. This project aims to inform schools, policymakers, and families on how we can build a financially capable generation. With your support, this research can lead to practical tools, curriculum recommendations, and public awareness campaigns. You'll be helping lay the foundation for smarter, more secure futures—not just for individuals, but for entire communities.
I'm currently seeking funding to cover research costs, data collection, outreach, and publication efforts. Whether it's $50 or $500, every contribution directly supports this mission. In return, sponsors will receive recognition in publications, reports, and presentations, along with updates on the project's impact. If you've ever wished you learned more about money earlier in life—or if you're passionate about empowering the next generation—this is your chance to make a meaningful difference. Let's create a future where financial knowledge is a right, not a privilege.
Your donation will contribute to the development of education and training initiatives.
How Will My Donation Be Used?
Funding for this research will be allocated strategically to ensure the project is both high-impact and efficiently executed. Here's a breakdown of how contributions will be used:
1. Data Collection & Analysis (30%)
Conducting surveys and interviews with young adults across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Partnering with schools, community organizations, and financial education platforms for access to participants.
Purchasing access to relevant datasets and statistical tools for analysis.
2. Educational Program Evaluation (20%)
Reviewing and assessing existing financial literacy programs and curricula.
Piloting small-scale interventions or workshops to measure real-world impact.
Compensating expert consultants or educators for their insights and evaluations.
3. Research Tools & Software (10%)
Subscriptions to academic databases, analytical tools (e.g., SPSS, NVivo), and online survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).
Software licenses and cloud storage for organizing and securing data.
4. Report Writing & Publication (15%)
Editing, formatting, and designing the final report and supplementary materials (e.g., policy briefs, infographics).
Printing physical copies for stakeholders (if needed).
Open-access publication fees to ensure the findings are freely available to the public.
5. Outreach & Awareness Campaigns (15%)
Hosting webinars, workshops, or presentations to share findings with educators, policymakers, and youth organizations.
Developing media content (social media graphics, short videos) to share insights with a broader audience.
Building a dedicated project website or platform to showcase results and ongoing updates.
6. Administrative & Operational Costs (10%)
Project coordination, scheduling, and communication tools.
Travel expenses if in-person data collection or presentations are required.
Miscellaneous costs such as transcription services, participant incentives, or printing.
