About Dollar Scholars

Dollar Scholars is a registered, 501c3 non-profit organization, dedicated to providing pro-bono financial education to adults. The organization was founded in 2024 by an economics professor, Dr. Jeffrey Dickinson, whose research and teaching focus on economic development and social policy. Supported by the work and ideas of many collaborators, the organization took shape. We began with a simple premise: to connect students and other volunteers to the local population through teaching financial education.

Recognizing that financial literacy is a lifelong necessity, Dollar Scholars offers basic classes designed to help adult individuals better manage their money. From budgeting basics, to understanding the U.S. banking system, our curriculum is tailored to address the unique needs of a diverse audience. In practice, this means that Dollar Scholars programming directly benefits Spanish-speaking immigrants, as well as other underserved communities.

The idea for Dollar Scholars grew as Dr. Dickinson developed the concept while reading academic literature on how small businesses use credit. Dr. Dickinson found that research papers on credit sometimes failed to include financial education as a key characteristic of potential borrowers in their context. Understanding credit, and financial education, are incredibly important. Almost all individuals and businessess will need to borrow money at some point in their lifespan. He combined the idea of teaching financial literacy with the interests of students and volunteers who are enthusiastic about working on projects that directly benefit the community.

Dollar Scholars’ approach allows us to channel the energy of our employees, volunteers, and supporters to enhance communities well-being. We wholeheartedly and without reservation believe this type of education can drive tangible change. The approach of our organization is to empower students to make informed decisions, to think critically, and to improvie the long-term financial stability, and success, of our students using financial education.

With the help of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) Money Smart materials and curriculum, the Dollar Scholars concept began to take shape. Money Smart resources are available in both English and Spanish, and they form the core of our curriculum, and are freely accessible to all participants. We began with two pilot classes—one in English and one in Spanish—that helped anchor larger mission to serve the DMV area.

We offer unique opportunities for volunteers to expand their horizons and develop valuable teaching skills. Volunteers work directly with Professors Kara Reynolds, Jeff Dickinson, Rodney Ndum, and Dr. Veronica Frisancho, an expert in gender and behavioral economics. As volunteers gain experience, they can take on more responsibilities, such as managing instructors or leading recruitment efforts.

Additionally, our volunteers engage with the local community in English or Spanish and grow their professional networks through events hosted by Dollar Scholars, in collaboration with American University, local and federal governments, the IMF, and private banks.