Testimonials

Voices From Our Community

Real stories from students, parents, and community partners whose lives have been touched by Power of Credit 101.

AllStudentParentCommunity
Student

"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. I opened my first business account at 20 and I'm already building business credit."

MT
Marcus T.
Program Graduate
Cohort 2025
Parent

"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. The mentors at POCI genuinely care about these kids."

DW
Denise W.
Parent
Parent of 2025 Graduate
Community

"POCI fills a critical gap in our community. The curriculum is rigorous, the mentorship is real, and the outcomes speak for themselves. We've seen graduates come back as mentors — that's the ripple effect we need."

JH
Rev. James H.
Community Partner
Chicago Community Leader
Student

"Before POCI, I didn't even know what a credit score was. Now I have a 720, a budget I actually stick to, and I'm saving for my first apartment. This program is the real deal."

AR
Aaliyah R.
Program Graduate
Cohort 2025
Parent

"My son came home from the first week talking about credit reports and interest rates. By week 5, he had a budget. By graduation, he had a business plan. POCI delivered on every promise."

MB
Michael B.
Parent
Parent of 2025 Graduate
Community

"We've partnered with a lot of youth programs over the years. POCI stands out because they combine financial education with real mentorship and mental health support. It's holistic and it works."

SL
Sandra L.
Nonprofit Partner Director
Community Organization
Student

"I was skeptical at first — I've been to workshops before that were all talk. But POCI actually walked us through everything step by step. I disputed two errors on my credit report and my score jumped 45 points in 30 days."

DM
Darius M.
Program Graduate
Cohort 2025
Student

"The real estate module opened my eyes to something I never thought was possible for someone like me. I'm now working toward buying my first home. POCI planted that seed."

KJ
Keisha J.
Program Graduate
Cohort 2025
Community

"POCI's approach is exactly what our community needs — practical, culturally relevant, and delivered by people who understand the challenges these young adults face. We're proud to support their work."

TW
Pastor T. Williams
Faith Community Partner
Chicago Faith Community

Share Your POCI Story

Are you a POCI graduate, parent, or community partner? We'd love to feature your story and inspire the next generation.