Bread Financial® helps Girls Inc. of New York City combine education, technology to inspire brighter financial futures
When a purpose-driven business joins hands with an impactful nonprofit, the ripple effects of their collaboration can extend beyond their immediate goals. An example of such a relationship is Bread Financial®’s ongoing partnership with Girls Inc. of New York City, an organization dedicated to inspiring today’s girls to be strong, smart and bold through transformative financial literacy programming.
Throughout April’s Financial Literacy Month, the two organizations continued to work together to improve financial knowledge and confidence in their communities, with Girls Inc. focused on helping girls from underserved communities make smarter financial decisions through the one-of-a-kind Her Future program.
Developed in part with funding from Bread Financial’s financial literacy grant program, Her Future combines classroom instruction with an innovative app that gamifies budgeting and other aspects of financial literacy with avatars, animations and more. Designed to teach students about important financial topics like saving for college, applying for loans, investing, reducing debt and financial planning through experiential education, the program aims to transform girls’ relationship with money.
“The mission of Her Future aligns directly to our financial wellness goals and brand promise to empower customers,” said Vanessa Yahner, senior manager of sustainability and community relations, Bread Financial. “Whether opening a credit card for the first time or saving for the future, we offer a product for every financial goal and stage of life. That’s also what makes Her Future so impactful -- its innovative, comprehensive approach to education ensures girls have the knowledge and tools needed for a lifetime of financial wellness.”
In 2024, Her Future reached 3,500 girls, with participants making significant financial literacy improvements, such as saving money (40% increase), managing student debt (46% increase), understanding credit scores (41% increase) and following a budget (22% increase). Additionally, 67% of girls in the program, the majority of which come from families earning less than $30,000 a year, reported that they were able to help family members manage their finances.
Graduates of the Her Future program have gone on to attend major universities, including several Ivy Leagues, and many have secured jobs at well-known companies in the public and private sectors. One participant, Tiara, who began her Girls Inc. education at age 11, graduated from Vassar as a first-generation college student before beginning her career in tech. She credits Her Future for helping remove financial barriers to her education and is now paying it back by serving as an advisor for the app.
“Girls Inc. of New York City works to support the “whole girl” with our programs, and a large piece of holistic wellness comes from financial confidence,” said Pamela Maraldo, chief executive officer, Girls Inc. of New York City. “Having the financial support and expertise of institutions like Bread Financial enables us to not only prepare girls for bright financial futures, but ensures we are able to reach them where they are with programs that resonate with today’s girls.”
About Girls Inc. of New York City
Girls Inc. of New York City inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, delivering life transforming programs to students throughout New York City. Through education and advocacy, Girls Inc. of NYC prepares students to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers. Girls Inc. of NYC’s research-based curricula support the development of the “whole girl,” through programs in mental and physical health, STEM, college readiness and retention, leadership, financial literacy, and more.
About Bread Financial®
Bread Financial® (NYSE: BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions to millions of U.S. consumers. Our payment solutions, including Bread Financial general purpose credit cards and savings products, empower our customers and their passions for a better life. Additionally, we deliver growth for some of the most recognized brands in travel & entertainment, health & beauty, jewelry and specialty apparel through our private label and co-brand credit cards and pay-over-time products providing choice and value to our shared customers.
To learn more about Bread Financial, our global associates and our sustainability commitments, visit breadfinancial.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
