Money Foundations
Everyday money skills that make the next paycheck, bill, or bank decision feel manageable instead of stressful.
View details →Financial literacy for ages 16 to 26
Building Financial Confidence. Expanding Young Futures.
Ascend Youth Initiative serves youth and young adults ages 16–26, beginning with high school juniors and seniors and extending to college students, trade-school students, early-career young adults, and young people transitioning toward financial independence.
Where we serve
Indianapolis first, with broader virtual resources
Ascend Youth Initiative initially serves Indianapolis and surrounding Indiana communities, with virtual educational resources available more broadly across the United States.
Money knowledge should not depend on luck or background
Many young people step into adulthood without a clear picture of budgeting, credit, taxes, or investing. Ascend Youth Initiative exists to close that gap with clear, judgment free education built for real life.
Practical, not theoretical
Curriculum framed around decisions young people actually face: a first paycheck, a first account, a first credit offer.
Built for the transition years
Designed specifically for ages 16 to 26, when financial habits and long-term trajectories take shape.
Community centered
Delivered with and through schools, youth programs, and community organizations rather than in isolation.
Find your path
Where do you fit in?
Whether you're learning, supporting a young person, hosting a program, or backing the work, there's a place to start.
Youth & Young Adults
Learn money skills you can use right now, budgeting, banking, credit, and planning for what's next.
Explore programs →Parents & Families
Understand what your young person will learn and how to keep the money conversation going at home.
See resources →Schools & Community Partners
Bring financial wellness workshops to your classroom, youth program, or community group.
Partner with us →Donors & Volunteers
Support the work by mentoring, facilitating, sponsoring a program, or giving.
Get involved →Programs
An initial framework of financial education
Programs below are an initial framework. Programs are accepting expressions of interest, while some specialized delivery and resources are still being developed. Dates, locations, and availability are not yet scheduled, registering interest simply adds you to the list to be contacted.
Future Ready Finance
Connecting education and career choices to the financial reality of adult life.
View details →Wealth Building Basics
A plain language introduction to growing money over time and thinking long-term.
View details →Opportunity Pathways
Information sessions and referrals that connect participants to scholarships, internships, career exposure, and mentors.
View details →Financial Wellness Workshops
Flexible sessions designed to be delivered inside schools, youth programs, and community organizations.
View details →Help young people start adulthood with confidence
Volunteer as a mentor, host a workshop, or sponsor a program. Support at every level helps expand access to financial education.