Nya Bolton came in search of some help for the new world of adulting.

“I was intrigued,” said Bolton, a sophomore speech pathology major at Tennessee State University. “I wanted information on establishing credit, and I wanted details like what makes up a credit report and how it impacts you. I came away with more answers than I expected.”

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at TSU held a financial education workshop for fellow students Wednesday to help their peers get a jump start on their future.

“I hope we can help you increase your credit because, as I’ve learned, it provides a real sense of security,” said AKA Alpha Psi Chapter President Brandi BeCoats.

Thanks to a collaboration between TSU, AKA and Regions Bank, the free, interactive financial courses, led by Regions bankers, will be offered not only on the TSU campus, but also in neighborhoods across Nashville. Further, the program is poised to grow to additional campuses and communities across the nation where AKA has active chapters.

“We are partnering with Regions to help college students in underserved communities build wealth,” said TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover.

Glover, who also serves as the International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha, recently met with Latrisha Jemison, Regions’ Nashville-based Regional Community Development and Partnerships Manager, as well as Regions leadership in Birmingham, to create a network of financial education workshops to promote and engage students on best practices.

With about 50 TSU students on hand Wednesday, the program kicked off as Kim Powell taught credit-management skills. A Regions banker, Powell is also an alum of Tennessee State and was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha as an undergrad.

“I love TSU, and I love having the opportunity to give back,” Powell said. “The students were so excited and asked terrific questions. They really wanted to learn, and that makes me proud – both of TSU and AKA. These two hold a special place in my heart.”

Regions has long been a partner of TSU, as it is with leading HBCUs across the Southeast. As part of her presentation, Jemison presented a $25,000 check to Glover to provide scholarships for low-income students at the university.

“Tennessee State University has been a very important partner to us,” Jemison said.

The initial workshop covered all things credit, from establishing and maintaining credit to using it to start a successful business, as well as the impacts credit reports have on consumers. Powell covered topics briskly, and students responded with timely questions.

“I came in with so many questions,” Bolton said. “At first, it was discouraging to learn that not having credit is just as bad as having bad credit. But they provided answers on how you can correct that. I feel informed now, with a good plan for my future.”