By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS | Adapted from Alabama A&M University
Alabama A&M University’s “Bulldog Boys” earned top honors over rival Alabama State University in the Regions Bank of Ideas Challenge at Regions Field in Birmingham.
The competition asked students to propose ways Regions could connect with younger customers while encouraging financial literacy and responsible money management.
The winning team included finance majors Ahmad Harris, Cameron Culbreath and Tyler Dailey, along with accounting majors Eric Wilson and Ayoola Akinlawon.
Their banking app concept combined technology, artificial intelligence, and interactive education to help young adults manage money. Proposed features included low-balance alerts, personalized financial guidance, avatars, and gamification to encourage stronger spending and saving habits.
A feature called “Lifepath” would let users establish savings goals, adjust them as needs change, and track their progress toward financial independence.
Students also presented target audiences, budgets, customer engagement strategies, and potential returns on investment.
The team earned an all-expenses-paid trip to Birmingham for the 85th Magic City Classic. The challenge gave participants experience applying classroom knowledge, collaborating across disciplines, and developing solutions to financial challenges facing students and young adults.