BFF - Building Financial Futures

Adult literacy

South LA County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit) City of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a citywide benefit)

Research (initial work to identify and understand the problem)

Many youth in underserved communities lack access to both financial education and the tools needed to apply that knowledge in real life. While their peers in more affluent neighborhoods often receive guidance on building credit, budgeting, and financial planning, many low-income students are left to navigate these critical systems alone which often results in costly mistakes. At the same time, gaps in basic literacy continue to hinder confidence and decision-making. Without early exposure to financial literacy and credit-building opportunities, young people are at greater risk of falling into debt, poor credit habits, and long-term financial instability. Our program seeks to level the playing field by addressing both literacy and financial access in tandem by empowering participants with the knowledge and tools to build a stable financial future.

This grant will support the launch of a community-based literacy and financial empowerment program tailored to teens and young adults in underserved neighborhoods. The initiative will offer interactive workshops that teach essential financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, responsible credit use, and long-term financial planning. In partnership with banking institutions, participants will receive a $25 credit toward a secured credit card, providing both an incentive and a hands-on opportunity to build credit responsibly. To address the gap in access, the program will prioritize accessibility and cultural relevance, ensuring participants gain the same foundational financial knowledge as their peers in more affluent areas. By combining financial literacy with real-world tools, the program aims to level the playing field and foster lifelong financial confidence and independence.

If our literacy and financial empowerment program succeeds, Los Angeles County will be transformed into a place where young people are financially confident, independent, and prepared for their futures. Through interactive workshops and real-world money lessons, teens and young adults will gain the skills to budget wisely, build credit, and make informed financial decisions. This knowledge will help break cycles of financial hardship, reducing dependence on government assistance and creating a generation equipped to achieve economic stability. As more participants take control of their finances, the local economy will benefit from individuals who can invest, save, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Ultimately, our work will foster a culture where financial literacy is the norm, empowering our youth to take charge of their futures and build lasting financial security. LA County will become a place where financial empowerment is not just an opportunity, it’s a reality.