Build Credit. Save Money. Plan Your Future.
Are you a DC resident between the ages of 18 and 24? Join a cohort-based lending program designed to help you build credit responsibly, start saving, and gain the financial tools you need to start planning your future! No matter where you're starting from, everyone deserves a path to financial stability.
Selected participants will get up to $1,000 through a credit-builder loan and will be encouraged to save some of it to help build a savings plan.
Participants will move through the program together as a cohort, taking part in interactive sessions on credit, banking, budgeting, savings, and future planning.
Applicants must submit an application, a short statement of interest, and attend an info session. The program runs from April to September 2026.
How to Apply:
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How to Apply:
- Submit an application. The deadline to submit is March 12, 2026.
- To be considered for this program, you must attend an Information Session, which serves as an orientation to the program.
Please use our bookings link to schedule an Information Session with our team
WHO CAN APPLY?
You’re eligible if you:
- Want to build or fix your credit using a credit-builder loan
- Can commit to attending all 3 workshops
- Have a valid U.S. government-issued ID
- Are currently working (at least 1 month of pay stubs)
- Can show you’re able to repay the loan (3 months of bank statements)
To Know Before Applying:
If selected, you’ll get LEDC’s credit-builder loan to help build or fix your credit. Any past-due balances or collections under $1,000 may be paid off first, and leftover funds go to you. If you don’t have credit yet, you’ll be approved for up to $500.
You are responsible for paying the loan back in full. Monthly payments range from $ 40 to $85. On—time payments help your credit; missed payments hurt it.
Virtual Cohort Sessions:
- April: Your Money Story — Credit & Banking
- May: Peer Check-In / Optional Workshop
- June: Financial Foundations — Budgeting & Saving
- July: Peer Check-In / Optional Workshop
- August: Funding Your Future — Starting a Business & First-Time Homeownership
- September: Virtual Graduation Celebration 🎉
In this cohort, you’ll:
- Learn how credit actually works — and how to use it to your advantage
- Get organized with your money and take control of everyday expenses
- Build smart money habits that set you up for long-term success
- Talk about saving, planning, and investing — in real-life ways
- Be part of a judgment-free space where everyone’s story is valued
Questions?
If you missed the info session and orientation or have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or call/text 202- 759-8397 —we're happy to help! Hablamos espanol!