Registration open now for classes starting March 18!
Tzedek DC, in partnership with Industrial Bank and Stackwell Capital, is announcing that the second year of our DC Young Adult Financial Empowerment Program is launching starting March 18.
The program is provided free of cost to participants. The program offers in-depth financial education workshops, free financial and credit counseling, and meals at each in-person workshop. Additionally, participants receive $100 in seed money in a Stackwell Capital investment account created for them, plus three years of account administrative costs covered, to begin their investment journeys.
This program is open to all DC residents over 18 years old, with a specific focus on residents of Wards 7 and 8, and also to any University of the District of Columbia students who are DC, Maryland, or Virginia residents.
The program has a strong track record. 98% of participants who completed the program’s pilot sessions in 2023-24 said they made changes to their financial habits or decisions as a result of this program, and 93% said they would recommend the program to friends and family.
Additionally, participants shared that the program gave them hope and a positive outlook on their financial futures. One participant said that he “used to feel like there was little I could do to affect my personal finances before I joined this program, but now I feel as if I have more tools at my disposal,” and another shared that the program taught her that “there is a solution within my reach.”
The upcoming year of the program (starting March 18, 2025) offers eight sessions, four entirely in-person and four virtual. Each session has eight workshops, for a total of 16 hours. We are offering both in-person and virtual sessions to help increase program accessibility and inclusion. We will continue hosting the in-person sessions in different Wards around the district, with a particular focus on Wards 7 and 8.
To register for one of the two immediately upcoming sessions of the program, go to one of the following Eventbrite pages:
About Tzedek DC
Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Launched in 2017 as a nonprofit public interest center headquartered at the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law, Tzedek DC also has offices in Ward 8. Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our DC community client base, comprised of 90% Black residents, 60% women, and 25% disabled DC community members. Our approach combines (i) free direct legal and financial counseling services, (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change, and (iii) providing multi-lingual community education. Tzedek DC has served over 5,000 DC client households in legal and financial counseling matters and catalyzed systemic reforms benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC residents.
About Industrial Bank
Industrial Bank is the oldest Black-owned financial institution in the District of Columbia and is one of the largest African American and family-owned banks in the United States. Since 1934, Industrial Bank has been a strong partner and advocate for small and large businesses, homeowners, and personal banking account customers. The Bank is a certified Minority Development Institution and SBA Preferred lender providing various deposit and loan products. Industrial Bank’s unwavering commitment to serve and financially empower the marginalized has also gained it the designation of a Community Development Financial Institution by the U.S. Treasury. The Bank’s financial literacy program dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap has reached hundreds of organizations and individuals from all ages and circumstances. Industrial Bank has branches in Washington, DC, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey. Learn more at industrial-bank.com.
About Stackwell
Stackwell is a fintech platform harnessing the power of investing to make wealth-building possible for everyone. For too long, too many people have felt that investing just isn’t for people like them. That’s why Stackwell’s easy-to-use app and community-driven programs are designed to break down barriers to financial wellness and foster investing confidence. When more people have the opportunity to invest and grow their wealth, entire communities thrive.
For more information, visit stackwellcapital.com.