Building Financial Futures, One Credit Score at a Time
Power of Credit 101 — An 8-Week Financial Literacy Program for Young Adults Across Chicagoland. Free. Comprehensive. Life-changing.
Power of Credit 101
In underserved communities across the Chicagoland area, financial literacy gaps perpetuate cycles of poverty. POCI was built to break that cycle — providing young adults ages 16–25 with the knowledge, tools, and mentorship to take control of their financial futures.
Over 8 weeks, participants learn to read credit reports, build budgets, establish businesses, and understand real estate — all supported by mental health resources and community mentors who look like them.
What You'll Learn
Ten modules designed to take you from financial uncertainty to confident, strategic control of your money and future.
Intro to Credit & Financial Literacy
Foundations of credit, scores, and why financial literacy matters.
Reading Credit Reports
Decode your credit report line by line.
Credit From the Ground Up
Build or rebuild credit with proven strategies.
Understanding Interest Rates
How APR, compound interest, and debt work.
Budgeting & Saving
Create budgets that actually stick and savings plans that grow.
Credit Cards — Use & Leverage
Use credit cards as tools, not traps.
Establishing a Business
LLC formation, EIN, business banking basics.
Business Plan + Business Credit
Write a business plan and build business credit from day one.
Real Estate Fundamentals
Homeownership, investment basics, and wealth-building through property.
Mental Health & Mentorship
Mindset, resilience, and community support for lasting success.
Community-Funded. Community-Driven.
POCI is built by and for the communities we serve. Every grant, every donation, and every partnership goes directly into free programming for Chicago youth.
Voices From Our Community
"POCI changed how I see money. I went from having no credit to a 680 score in six months. This program gave me tools no one ever taught me in school."
"As a parent, I was nervous about my daughter's financial future. After Power of Credit 101, she opened her first business account at 19. I'm so proud."
"POCI fills a critical gap in our community. The curriculum is rigorous, the mentorship is real, and the outcomes speak for themselves."
Invest in Chicago's Next Generation
Your support funds free financial literacy education for Chicago youth. Every dollar goes directly into programming, materials, and mentorship.
Ready to Start Your Financial Journey?
Applications are open for our next cohort. Enrollment is free for qualifying participants in the Chicago area.