Congratulations to Our 2026 Financial Education Graduates!

“The Financial Education Program with Capital One offered by Dress for Success was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my financial success. I wasn’t sure upon signing up if it would offer something new for me to learn, but the instructors were kind and gave real world examples. The homework kept me on track and the next steps offered by Capital One, including their mentoring and community courses, are perfect follow -ups to keep my motivation up and keep me on track for my financial goals through 2026 and beyond. Thank you Dress for Success and Capital One!” - Laura, Financial Education Graduate

Dress for Success San Francisco recently celebrated the completion of its latest Financial Education Program, hosted at the Capital One Café in San Francisco. Over the course of four weeks, 17 women participated in weekly Wednesday evening sessions designed to strengthen financial knowledge and build confidence in managing personal finances. The program concluded with a graduation celebration on March 11, 2026.

Delivered in partnership with Capital One, the program provided participants with practical financial tools while creating space for open conversation about money, decision-making, and long-term financial well-being. Through interactive exercises and real-world examples, Capital One instructors helped participants connect financial concepts to their own experiences and goals.

Each week focused on a specific topic aimed at helping participants build stronger financial habits and a clearer understanding of financial systems.

The first session introduced Money Basics, where participants explored budgeting, saving strategies, and setting SMART financial goals. The discussion focused on building a strong financial foundation and identifying practical steps participants could begin using immediately.

During the second week, participants learned How to Check Your Credit Report, gaining insight into how credit works and how to review their credit history and scores.

Week three focused on Scam Education, highlighting how to recognize fraud and reduce financial risk. Participants shared personal experiences with scams and fraud, leading to meaningful conversations and shared learning within the group.

The final session included a Money & Life activity and graduation ceremony, celebrating participants who completed the program and their weekly assignments. Graduates were recognized for their dedication and received monetary incentives. A raffle prize was awarded, and each participant received a cupcake from the Capital One Café, adding a celebratory moment to close the program. The evening ended with a group photo recognizing the collective achievement of the cohort.

For many participants, the experience was both practical and motivating.

“Having attended the Financial Education program was a big help and great opportunity for me to be able to learn about all the steps I should follow to have financial discipline, a good financial goal, as well as the importance of having a good credit record and how to achieve it,” said Maria, a Dress for Success client, and Financial Education participant. “Plus, I learned how to get my credit report by myself. As a single mother, this was a great experience for me.”

To continue supporting participants after graduation, follow-ups will take place at 30, 60, and 90 days to check in on progress and provide encouragement as they continue working toward their financial goals.

Programs like the Financial Education Program reflect the shared commitment between Dress for Success San Francisco and Capital One to support women with the knowledge and resources needed to build long-term financial stability.

Congratulations to our newest Financial Education Program graduates!