#United States #New York #financial empowerment #Marsai Martin #FICO

FICO Collaborates with Marsai Martin's Foundation and Seeds of Fortune Inc.

In a significant step forward for financial literacy, FICO has joined forces with Seeds of Fortune Inc. and Marsai's Way Foundation to expand their collective effort toward fostering financial empowerment among families and college students. This initiative builds on a successful first year that impacted over 2,000 students nationwide, focusing on offering tailored financial education, college preparation, and community engagement programs.

The purpose of this expanded partnership is to further address the financial education gap that many students face today. More specifically, it aims to educate young individuals about essential financial concepts, such as the importance of building healthy credit and understanding credit scores. FICO, renowned globally for analytics and its FICO® Score — which is utilized by around 90% of major U.S. lenders — will play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.

Introducing the FICO Financial Empowerment Fellowship

A highlight of this partnership is the launch of the FICO Financial Empowerment Fellowship. This new program is designed to equip college students to serve as peer ambassadors who will educate their fellow students about the complexities of managing their financial health.

Selected ambassadors will receive training focused on credit education, financial wellness, and how to effectively engage with their communities, ensuring a sustainable model of peer-to-peer learning. As part of the Fellowship, ten college students will be awarded $1,500 scholarships based on demonstrated leadership and a commitment to financial empowerment.

The training program will guide these ambassadors in leading campus activations throughout the academic year, allowing for direct engagement with their peers on essential financial topics. This initiative stands as a testament to the collaboration among nonprofit expertise, celebrity influence, and industry knowledge.

A Vision for Financial Empowerment

Rukiya Kelly, the Global Head of Corporate Impact Engagement at FICO, remarked, “Financial empowerment is core to FICO’s mission. Our partnership with Seeds of Fortune and Marsai's Way Foundation exemplifies the impact that can be achieved when dedicated organizations join forces. Together, we are amplifying our reach and influence.” Through collaborative efforts, the goal is to inspire financial literacy that extends beyond individual knowledge and into communities.

Marsai Martin also emphasized the importance of financial literacy, stating, “Knowledge creates opportunity. We look forward to the impact this initiative will have as it helps students build confidence and understand their financial futures.” This sentiment echoes the core values of both partner organizations, aiming to create positive change through informed youth leaders.

Educational Initiatives

The multifaceted educational experience provided through this initiative includes various programs, such as:

• - Credit Starts at Home family workshops focusing on improving financial literacy within households.
• - A digital financial education campaign designed to reach broad audiences through engaging online content.
• - Exclusive sessions like Ask Marsai Anything, where the famed actress and entrepreneur discusses financial wellness and career growth, further inspiring young individuals to take control of their finances.

The application process for the inaugural FICO Financial Empowerment Fellowship is currently open, with the deadline set for September 21, 2026. Selected fellows will partake in programming throughout the fall and will be honored during the Resolution Brunch hosted by Marsai Martin in Atlanta on January 18, 2027.

For more information about the Fellowship and to apply, interested individuals can visit Seeds of Fortune's website.

About the Organizations

Seeds of Fortune Inc.

Seeds of Fortune is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing students for success in college, career, and financially through innovative educational programs and leadership development initiatives. To date, they have supported students in securing over $114 million in financial aid and scholarships.

Marsai's Way Foundation

The Marsai's Way Foundation empowers youth by creating avenues for leadership, education, and positive personal development through collaborative partnerships and impactful programming.

FICO

Founded in 1956, FICO is a pioneering company in predictive analytics that aids organizations across the globe in making better decisions. The FICO® Score is a key tool used in assessing consumer credit risk in the United States and numerous other countries.

Overall, this partnership is poised to make meaningful advancements in the financial literacy landscape, equipping young individuals with the tools they need to thrive.