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Peggy Ward Financial Education Center

The Peggy Ward Financial Education Center (PWFEC), located within the NCCU School of Business, serves as a dedicated hub offering transformational resources and education to equip students and the community with lifelong financial skills — all in support of our vision to increase generational wealth.

Building Financial Power to Close the Wealth Gap

Despite gains in income, the racial wealth gap in the United States remains significant — especially for Black and Hispanic communities. National data continues to show that non-Hispanic Black households hold substantially less net worth than non-Hispanic White households, contributing to ongoing challenges in financial security and opportunity.

At North Carolina Central University, where 75% of the student population is Black and 6% is Hispanic, the Peggy Ward Financial Education Center is committed to preparing students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to build financial stability and long-term success. Through practical education and hands-on experiences, we help students take control of their financial futures and create real, measurable impact in their lives and communities.

A Legacy of Leadership and Financial Empowerment

Peggy Ward is a dedicated advocate for financial education and economic empowerment whose lifelong service to North Carolina Central University and the broader community continues to make a lasting impact. In addition to her foundational work in financial education, she recently served as chair of the Class of 1974, where she led an extraordinary effort that raised over $1 million for NCCU — one of the largest class gifts in the university’s history.

Her passion for uplifting others through knowledge and access is the driving force behind the Peggy Ward Financial Education Center. Today, the center carries forward her mission by equipping students and the community with the tools to build generational wealth, navigate financial systems, and lead with confidence.

Mission and Vision Statement

Mission:
The Peggy Ward Financial Education Center empowers NCCU students and the surrounding community through high-quality financial education, resources, and experiential learning opportunities. The Center equips participants with the knowledge and skills to achieve financial wellness, make informed financial decisions, and excel in professional endeavors.

Vision:
To be a leading financial education hub that empowers NCCU students and the surrounding community.

Our Core Offerings

Financial Education Presentations

We offer financial education presentations, with topics including money habitudes, creating a spending plan, credit and debt management, and maximizing financial aid.

One-on-One Coaching

We offer peer financial coaching sessions that empower students to manage their personal finances, build financial confidence, and make informed money decisions.

Campus and Community Events

From expert speakers to peer-led workshops, we offer engaging financial education events year-round, including special programming during Professional Development Week in the fall and Financial Education Week in the spring. All campus and community members are welcome.

Who We Serve

NCCU Undergraduate and Graduate Students

The center offers students the tools, knowledge, and support to build financial confidence and develop essential money management skills for their academic and professional futures.

Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff are provided with resources to strengthen their financial literacy, helping them make informed decisions to enhance their personal financial wellbeing.

Durham Community Members

Local community members are encouraged or will invited to access educational resources and financial coaching to improve their financial health and create lasting positive impact in their lives.

PWFEC Wealth Management Camp for High School Students

Teens can take their first steps toward financial independence with the Peggy Ward Financial Education Center’s Wealth Management Camp. This week-long summer experience empowers high school students to build essential financial skills through hands-on learning, team challenges, and interactive workshops.

Participants will explore budgeting, saving, investing, credit management, and the principles of wealth creation—all while building confidence, friendships, and leadership skills. The camp also includes etiquette training and competitive team activities, with prizes awarded to standout individuals and groups.

Exam Preparation Programs

FINRA® Securities Industry Essentials® (SIE®) Exam Prep

Get ready to launch a career in financial services with SIE exam preparation. This program covers the fundamentals of the securities industry, helping students pass the exam required to begin their FINRA licensing process.

Certificate Financial Planner® (CFP®) Certificate Program and CFP Exam Prep

Designed for aspiring financial planners, this certificate program, offered in collaboration with Zahn Associates, Inc., includes comprehensive coursework in insurance planning, investment planning, tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and financial plan development. The program also features an intensive CFP exam prep course. Participants gain expert instruction and practical tools to master essential financial planning concepts and succeed on the rigorous CFP exam.

Economics and Personal Finance (EPF) Institute

Partnering with the North Carolina Council on Economic Education (NCCEE), the EPF Institute is ideal for educators and professionals and enhances understanding of economic principles and personal finance education. Participants gain tools to effectively teach and apply financial literacy in real-world settings.

Financial freedom starts with education. We’re here to make it accessible for everyone.

Peggy Ward

Financial Literacy Advocate