Boise State Athletics
Boise State Launches Next Phase of Financial Education with Robinhood Money Drills®
3/2/2026 8:45:00 AM | Football, General, Bronco Athletic Association
Former Bronco/NFL alum Charles Leno, Jr. will share importance of financial planning
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State Athletics is advancing its financial education programming through a partnership with Robinhood Money Drills®, a university-led course offered for graduation credit to all Boise State students. Complementing this campus-wide curriculum, student-athletes participate in targeted workshops addressing the unique financial realities of college athletics.
With support from Robinhood, guidance from Boise State College of Business and Economics faculty, and team workshops led by Financial Footwork, student-athletes develop practical skills in budgeting, savings, taxes, investing, credit management, and navigating Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities to empower them to make informed, responsible financial decisions beyond competition.
"We are grateful to Robinhood and Financial Footwork for bringing this innovative financial education program to our student-athletes and ensuring they have access to the tools needed to succeed both now and in the future," said Sara Whiles, Associate Athletic Director, BroncoLife & Varsity B. "As revenue-sharing opportunities expand and student-athletes begin earning income earlier than ever, programs like this are essential."
Former Boise State offensive lineman and NFL alum Charles Leno, Jr. will be on campus today to share his perspective with Bronco student-athletes on the importance of financial planning and preparing for long-term success. Leno, Jr. and his wife Jenn, joined the Lyle Smith Society (LSS), a philanthropic giving option last summer. Their gift was designated for Bronco football, the football equipment room, and BroncoLife. From 2009-13, Leno played an integral role at left tackle for the Broncos. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 2014 NFL Draft and spent 11 years in the NFL.
"I want Bronco student-athletes to be ready for the opportunities ahead," said Leno, Jr. "When I was drafted, I had limited financial guidance and I had to learn through experience. If I can help them avoid some of those early mistakes, that is a win."
Since the Robinhood Money Drills® launch two years ago, 95% of participating students have reported that their ability to manage personal finances has improved thanks to the financial education provided through the course. Surveys show most students are interested in learning about taxes, investing, and debt management.
"Money Drills delivers financial education curriculum in a way that meets students where they are," said Chloe Barz, Senior Director of International Government and External Affairs, Robinhood Markets, Inc. "Robinhood is excited to partner with Boise State to ensure students are not only working towards their graduation goals, they are preparing themselves for lifelong financial management that puts them ahead of the game."
About BroncoLife
BroncoLife provides programming that encourages and empowers student-athletes to live in accordance with their values, be positive influences in their community, and discover their full potential as leaders in both their college careers and lives after Boise State. BroncoLife centers its programming around three key areas: personal growth, community involvement, and career development. Year-round, student-athletes engage in workshops, service projects, and networking opportunities designed to support and empower them both on and off the field.
About Robinhood Money Drills®
Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOD) transformed financial services by introducing commission-free stock trading and democratizing access to the markets for millions of investors. Today, Robinhood, through its subsidiaries, lets you trade stocks, options, futures, swaps (which include event contracts), and crypto, invest for retirement, earn with Robinhood Gold, and access an expert-managed portfolio with Robinhood Strategies. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Robinhood puts customers in the driver's seat, delivering unprecedented value and products intentionally designed for a new generation of investors. Additional information about Robinhood can be found at www.robinhood.com.
NIL University by Financial Footwork
NIL University by Financial Footwork is dedicated to helping college student-athletes by providing essential financial literacy skills tailored to the unique opportunities and challenges of NIL in college athletics. The program ensures that student-athletes can confidently manage their finances and maximize their NIL potential through practical, hands-on financial wellness education.
