A Groundbreaking Achievement

St. John’s University junior Alexandra Cicala, a Business major on the Pre-Law track, has secured a crucial $5,000 funding from Maspeth Federal Savings Bank. This new investment is a testament to her innovative vision for uFinLit, a financial literacy app tailored for college students.

From Inception to Reality

The seeds for uFinLit were planted during Alexandra’s high school days when her curiosity about financial literacy gaps inspired her to take action. While still a senior, she conducted compelling research on financial education and its effects on long-term credit outcomes, culminating in her first initiative, Financially Lit. By March 2025, she evolved her vision into a trademarked venture—uFinLit.

Building the Dream

Alexandra’s journey took a major leap forward with support from St. John’s Venture & Innovation Center (VIC). Through networking facilitated by VIC Director James Kinsley, she caught the attention of Maspeth Federal Savings Bank’s CEO, resulting in an initial $10,000 funding to kickstart her app development.

Her dedicated team includes a St. John’s alumni software developer and a curriculum creator focusing on fundamental financial topics. A collaboration with her university’s IT department ensures seamless integration with student systems.

Research-Driven Design

Under the guidance of Professor Ansel Schiavone, Alexandra’s quest for an evidence-based platform is in full swing. A research project involving 40 Cox Honors Program students is set to evaluate the app’s educational impact through structured engagement and growth measurement.

Targeting College Students

uFinLit distinguishes itself by focusing strictly on college students’ unique financial needs. With bite-sized modules and a rewards system, it incentivizes practical learning, aiming to make financial literacy both accessible and enjoyable for busy lives.

The Next Chapter

The new $5,000 funding from Maspeth marks a pivotal moment for uFinLit, allowing for potential expansion into content novelty, enhanced user experiences, and strategic partnerships. Alexandra is committed to creating a user-friendly, impactful platform, a vision strongly supported by faculty and industry partners.

As stated in St. John's University, “uFinLit is about empowering students with confidence.” With unwavering dedication and increasing backing, Alexandra Cicala is undoubtedly steering a revolution in student financial literacy, turning her aspirations into achievable change.