Shalyn Greer created Lewte hoping to help alleviate the financial burdens that college students face with a platform that offers students discounts on popular brands and gives businesses a chance to connect to an important demographic.

“Even with scholarships and financial aid there are still so many things that aren’t covered,” said Greer, who lives in Steamboat Springs. “The whole idea behind it is to help alleviate those financial burdens and hurdles that are associated with higher education, so that students can better focus on getting their education.”

Lewte is a free online platform that connects students with the latest deals and discounts from their favorite brands on and off college campuses and allows students to earn reward points that can be redeemed for free products and services.

The platform empowers students to save money on essentials including food, clothing and technology. This innovative approach helps offset the financial burdens students face, making education more affordable and accessible.

“Our goal is simple — to help students get the education they deserve,” said Greer, who launched Lewte in January. “Financial aid and scholarships can’t cover everything, and that’s where we step in. By helping students save on everyday expenses, we’re reducing the financial hurdles that often stand in the way of earning a degree.”

Students 16 and older can join Lewte with a valid university email address, and can use the platform if they are attending any of the more than 60 universities that are verified by the platform.

Lewte is currently available in states including West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia and Texas, as well as Colorado at the University of Colorado in Boulder and Colorado Mountain College.

Lewte has partnered with more than 120 brands to deliver exclusive discounts. Students not only save on brands they prefer but also benefit from Lewte’s rewards system, where they earn points when they use the platform that can be redeemed with Lewte partners.

“Students have the ability to earn points, and those points convert to rewards,” Greer said.

“Those points can be used for free products … that might be a gift card to a local restaurant on campus, so they can get a free meal, or it might be to the local bookstore. It’s really all about helping students to be able to afford the necessities, so that they can better focus on their education.”

As a Colorado-based entrepreneur, Greer is passionate about supporting students nationwide by providing them with the financial tools they need to succeed. Her commitment to making education more accessible drives Lewte’s mission.

“I don’t want (Lewte) to be just like a student discount platform,” Greer said. “I also want it to feel like a community where students can get the resources that they need to feel successful in their educational journey. I really wanted to offer a platform, and eventually I would like to expand it to more states.”