Finance Impact Challenge Launch Kickoff Event: An Applied Competition for First-Year Students

Competition Overview

Join us for the launch of LeBow’s Finance Impact Challenge, an applied competition designed to introduce first-year students to the principles of financial decision-making, financial analysis and business strategy through a guided case analysis. No prerequisite coursework or experience is required.

After the launch event, students will work in teams to analyze a financial scenario, assess key strategic considerations and communicate their recommendations. A select number of finalist teams will advance to present live to a panel of alumni and industry professionals on Feb. 20.

Participation gives students an early opportunity to strengthen analytical and communication skills, gain insight into how business decisions are made in practice and build valuable problem-solving experience that supports future co-op and internship readiness.

This kickoff event will introduce the challenge, outline expectations, and provide guidance for teams to begin their work.

Team Structure

The competition is open to all currently enrolled LeBow first-year (freshmen) students. At least one team member must be a Finance major. Teams may consist of 3 to 4 members. You’re welcome to form your own team: just be sure that all members register individually. Team rosters must be submitted to Diana Jones at dej36@drexel.edu by Jan. 30, 2026. If you don’t have a team, we’ll be glad to match you with one.

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded to members of the winning team.

Registration and Requirements

To participate, students must:

• Be first-year undergraduate students at LeBow
• Register by the Jan. 30 deadline
• Attend the Competition Launch on Tuesday, Feb. 3, where case materials and instructions will be provided
• Submit your materials by the Feb. 8 submission deadline
• If selected as finalists, be available to present in person at Gerri C. LeBow Hall on Feb. 20

Timeline

• Deadline to Register: Friday, Jan. 30
• Competition Launch: Tuesday, Feb. 3
• Deadline for Submissions: Sunday, Feb. 8
• Finalists Notified: Friday, Feb. 13
• Finalist Presentations: Friday, Feb. 20