A simple conversation changed everything for Chelsie Kupa on an ordinary Sunday after church. She was a teenager, juggling school, a part-time job, and weekend hangouts with friends. But she listened when Andre Givens, then-President of 100 Black Men of Indianapolis and a trusted mentor from her church, approached her with a challenge.
“He said, ‘You need to get into the financial literacy program,’” Chelsie recalled. “And when Andre says something, you pay attention. So I said, ‘Sure. Let’s do it.’”
That conversation became Chelsie’s entry point into the Dollars & $ense Financial Literacy Program, a 15-week initiative offered by 100 Black Men of Indianapolis in partnership with the University of Indianapolis. Designed for high school students in grades 9–12, the program introduces youth to the fundamentals of personal finance and investment—lessons rarely taught in school, but essential for life.
“At that time, all I knew about money was that my parents went to work every day and made sure the bills were paid. I didn’t know anything about stocks, bonds, or building wealth,” Chelsie shared. “This program gave me more than knowledge—it gave me exposure.”
A Structured, Transformative Experience
Students like Chelsie gather on campus each Saturday for hands-on workshops led by financial professionals and community mentors. The curriculum covers everything from budgeting and credit to diversified investment portfolios and real-world market analysis.
“I remember researching stocks on Yahoo Finance,” Chelsie laughed. “It’s funny now, but back then, we were learning how to build portfolios, analyze companies, and even prepare for competition.”
The program culminates in a high-energy local financial literacy competition, where students present detailed investment strategies to a panel of judges. Based on performance, attendance, and engagement, top-performing students receive scholarships ranging from $250 to $3,000. Three students are also selected annually to represent Indianapolis at the national Dollars & $ense competition, which Chelsie later helped support as a mentor.
“We rehearsed. We practiced. We prepped students before nationals just like a sports team,” she said. “And for me, returning as a mentor was a full-circle moment.”
Real Skills. Real Confidence. Real Impact.
Chelsie said the program gave her a head start in financial knowledge, leadership, and decision-making. While her peers were still trying to understand how credit works, she had already practiced asset allocation and prepared for college.
“Even today, I handle my finances differently than many people my age,” she said. “Because of this program, I know how to recover from financial mistakes—and that’s huge.”
She eventually studied organizational development and human resources and became the first Black woman to serve as president of the Collegiate 100 chapter at IUPUI, now Indiana University Indianapolis.
“I used to get asked all the time, ‘How are you a part of the 100 Black Men?’” Chelsie said. “But they’ve been investing in my growth since high school. Yes, it’s led by men—but the impact is communal. I am living proof of that.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
For over 20 years, the Dollars & $ense program has impacted more than 250 students, many of whom have pursued finance, business, and community leadership roles. The Indianapolis chapter has taken first place at nationals six times—in 2003, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2019, and in 2024, they won the national championship.
And yet, the heart of the program remains the same: expose students early to what’s possible and equip them with the tools to build a better future.
“I never had to sell the program to anyone,” Chelsie said. “It’s always been my truth.”
Interested in Volunteering?
Support the next generation of leaders by mentoring, judging, or sharing your expertise. To get involved, contact Financialliteracy@100blackmenindy.org.