Marsai Martin's $1,500 Financial Empowerment Fellowship: How to Apply and Change Your Money Game

Financial literacy is one of those life skills that nobody teaches you in school, but it impacts literally everything about your future. Marsai Martin recognized that gap and decided to do something about it. Her foundation just hit an incredible milestone of helping 10,000 students, and now she’s launching the FICO Financial Empowerment Fellowship specifically designed to educate young women about credit, wealth-building, and smart financial decisions. The fellowship isn’t just handing out money, though $1,500 scholarships are definitely part of the deal. Ten college students will receive comprehensive financial education from FICO and leadership development training, then they’ll become ambassadors in their own communities, teaching peers about topics that actually matter for building generational wealth.

The fellowship is open to students in accredited two-year, four-year, trade, or vocational programs across the United States, with applications closing on September 21, 2026. If you’re eligible, this could be a genuine game-changer. Beyond the scholarship, you’re getting real financial education and the chance to network with other young leaders who care about making an impact. Martin’s foundation operates on four pillars: scholarships, health and wellness, leadership development, and financial literacy, so this fellowship hits multiple goals at once.

What makes this opportunity stand out is that it’s peer-driven education. When someone your age teaches you about credit scores and financial strategy, it hits different than a textbook lecture. You’re learning from someone who’s actually navigating the same world you are. If this resonates with you and you’re in an eligible program, what’s stopping you from applying? Visit the foundation’s website for full details and get your application in before the deadline.