Financial Literacy

Building Wealth by Planning Financial Futures

Proper money management helps youth and families rise UP with confidence and avoid financial setbacks that can follow them into adulthood. Up From Slavery Initiative teaches practical money skills such as budgeting, saving, credit, investing, and college and career planning. Our programs also introduce entrepreneurship so students and families can build stability, strengthen opportunity, and create long-term wealth that supports future generations.

OUR CLASSES

Why Financial Literacy Matters

Most of us are expected to make big financial decisions—student loans, car payments, credit cards, housing—without ever being taught how money really works. That gap leads to stress, debt, and missed opportunities.

Our Financial Literacy Program exists to:

Break generational cycles of financial struggle
Help students and families make informed decisions
Promote home ownership, savings, and long-term stability
Build confident leaders who can shape their financial future

UFSI Financial Literacy class in Bremerton, WA showing students giving a presentation.

What We Cover

Frankie Delossantos providing a Financial Literacy class at Up From Slavery Initiative

STEP 1

Budgeting & Everyday Money

Tracking income and expenses
Creating a realistic budget
Making a plan for monthly bills & goals

STEP 2

Saving, Credit & Debit

Building an emergency fund
Learn how credit scores work
Avoiding predatory loans & bankruptcy

Financial Literacy class for youth at UFSI

Students at UFSI in a workshop class for Financial Literacy

STEP 3

Investing & Wealth Building

Basics of investing & compound interest
Planning for retirement & financial goals
Building assets for long-term wealth

STEP 4

College, Career & Business

Basics of investing & compound interest
Planning for retirement & financial goals
Building assets for long-term wealth

Students presenting at a financial literacy class held at Up From Slavery Initiative in Bremerton

Who's This Program For

Youth & Young Adults

Understanding paychecks & taxes
Managing money from first job
Building good credit habits early
Making wise choices about school, work and business

Families

Rebuilding or strengthening credit
Paying down debt with a plan
Preparing for home ownership
Creating long-term plans for children and retirement

Our Approach

UP From Slavery Initiative combines education, mentorship, and culturally informed teaching to make money management feel possible.

Students and instructors for financial literacy at UFSI.

Interactive workshops with real-life scenarios.
Culturally rooted conversations that acknowledge history and focus on empowerment, ownership, and legacy.
Ongoing support and resources so participants can apply what they learn at home.

Classes & Registration

We are currently building a schedule of Financial Literacy classes for youth, young adults, and families.

These sessions will include in-person and online options, small-group learning, and practical tools participants can use right away.