BALTIMORE, MD — As students across the region prepare to graduate and step into new phases of independence, Diapers 2 Deposits is launching a new initiative designed to meet that moment with clarity and confidence. Beginning Sunday, February 22, the organization will host its Financial Literacy: Graduation Readiness Program for the Class of 2026, an eight-session series led by accredited financial counselors and tailored to middle school, high school, and college graduates.

The program is built to address a persistent gap in traditional education: preparing young people for real-life financial decisions they will face immediately after graduation. From managing credit cards and understanding paychecks to apartment readiness and long-term planning, the series is structured to help students navigate adulthood without costly missteps.

Applications are now open, with a deadline of Sunday, February 15, 2026. Interested students and families can learn more and apply at
https://www.diapers2deposits.com/class-of-2026-financial-literacy

Unlike one-time workshops or worksheet-based lessons, Diapers 2 Deposits emphasizes interactive, culturally relevant learning that mirrors real-world financial scenarios. The program is open to students completing 8th grade, 12th grade, or college, and includes continued support for participants through age 24.

Courtesy of Diapers2Deposits

“Most programs teach students to fear credit cards,” said Whitney Ramirez, Program Director of Diapers 2 Deposits. “Instead, we teach them how to use credit cards strategically because healthy credit is advantageous. Our goal is to help students graduate confident, informed, and prepared to build strong financial futures from day one.”

The eight-session course is designed to complement—not disrupt—school schedules. It does not require changes to existing curricula or additional administrative burden for educators, making it accessible to families seeking practical financial education outside the classroom.

Participants will build competency across four core life-skill areas:

  • Budgeting for Independent Living
    Students create realistic, data-driven budgets and complete a personalized budget worksheet they can use beyond the program.
  • Credit Cards and Credit Scores
    Through hands-on simulations, students learn how credit works, how to avoid interest charges, and how to responsibly build credit from zero.
  • Apartment Hunting and Rental Costs
    Sessions cover affordable rent calculations based on entry-level salaries, lease agreements, security deposits, utilities, and common rental red flags.
  • First Job and Long-Term Financial Planning
    Students learn to read pay stubs, understand benefits such as employer-matched 401(k) plans, explore compound interest, and develop a five-year financial roadmap.
Courtesy of Diapers2Deposits

Upon completion, participants gain access to Diapers 2 Deposits’ online community platform, providing continued guidance and resources as they move through early adulthood.

Diapers 2 Deposits says the program is part of its broader mission to break generational cycles of financial insecurity by equipping young people with practical tools, confidence, and ongoing support before financial mistakes become entrenched.

More information about Diapers 2 Deposits and its Financial Literacy programs is available at
https://www.diapers2deposits.com

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