Metro SIFE's "Duel@5280" competition will be part of a national tournament sponsored by the University of Arizona and Take Charge America, a nonprofit national credit counseling company. The program was developed to increase financial literacy among college students. Six universities are invited to each regional competition and vie for $9,000 in cash prizes. The winners will advance to the national finals in Tucson March 10-13, 2005.

Chapter president Todd Zink said that the "Duel@5280" will be a platform for Metro SIFE to build a national reputation for itself and the college.

Teams in the competition are given hypothetical case studies about a family in financial distress. In 36 hours, competitors must research the situation and design a solution to the family's dilemma. A panel of expert judges decides which team has best resolved the family's finances.

"Duel@5280" will be held January 27-29, 2005. Other schools hosting regional competitions are Boston College, Purdue University, Marshall University, Drury University, Colorado State University, College of William & Mary, University of South Carolina and the University of Texas.

Founded in 1975, SIFE is one of the largest collegiate organizations in the world. SIFE chapters are active on more than 1,700 college and university campuses in 42 countries.