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(Washington, D.C.)  The DC Chamber of Commerce Foundation, announced recently the launch of the Financial Scholars Program, an initiative aimed at improving financial literacy for District of Columbia youth ages 16 - 22. Made possible by a $250K grant from the Daniel M. Ziff Foundation, the platform combines 3-D video, interactive online tools, and hands-on learning with a practical reality-based internet curriculum. 

The Financial Scholars Program runs off of software developed by EverFi, Inc. and will teach District youth not only the importance of financial awareness but also how to gain financial independence, take control of their money, and secure their financial futures. An initial cohort of 1,250 students will be able to participate in the program and will have licenses to use the platform through remote online access.

In the coming months, the DC Chamber Foundation will work with community groups, local school and out of school programs across the city to ensure that the new curriculum is widely available.

“These are our future CEO’s, business professionals and entrepreneurs of the District, and it is in all of our interests to make sure that they have a strong grasp on core financial concepts,” said Barbara B. Lang, President & CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce.

With the institution of the Financial Scholars Program, the DC Chamber is redirecting its previous involvement with the city’s summer youth jobs program into a more focused area of life skills preparation. The program is part of the Foundation’s newly established Workforce Institute for Strategy and Education (WISE), created to examine and promote education and workforce development strategies that produce a qualified workforce in the District of Columbia.

For additional information about the DC Chamber Foundation Financial Scholars Program contact Margaret Singleton at 202-638-7336 or at msingleton@dcchamber.org. 

Tax-deductible contributions to the Financial Scholars Program can be made by visiting www.dcchamberfoundation.org.

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