We aim for excellence in teaching adult financial literacy.
The non-profit and student organization was founded by a group of American University undergraduate students, along with support from the American University Department of Economics, College of Arts and Sciences, and led by Professor Jeffrey Dickinson.
After reading about gender and financial literacy from economists, Jeff had engaged with students on the topic of gender and financial literacy. This exchange with students led to conversations with American University (A.U.) professor and department chair Kara Reynolds, as well as students, Arjun, Shirley, Tommy, Haider, Devin, Sophia and others, through which the principle idea developed. Our founding members strongly believe it is a no-brainer to expand access to financial literacy training. Let's face it, no matter your age or position in life, unless you are trained in finance, almost every one of us could benefit from financial literacy training.
Our founding members agreed it would be a good idea to create an organization that would link A.U. student volunteers to adults in the community to teach financial literacy. Part of our motivation was also that many undergradute students, especially at American University, are interested directly connecting with the communities around us, as part of an effort to improve social well-being. Dollar Scholars is designed to bridge that gap, and help students interested in teaching financial literacy engage with the broader DC, Maryland, and Virginia community in a structured environment, while adding important experience to their development.