Consider joining us at one of our upcoming events using the form below! If you live in Virginia and are between the ages of 14 to 21, we will also ask you to contact your DBVI counselor to express your interest in participating.
Don't see something that interests you here? Get in touch with us! We often create small group sessions around specific focus areas to help you achieve your goals.
Find Your Place: Navigating Housing with Confidence and Independence
The transition to independent living is exciting, but the housing market can be a maze. How do you know if a neighborhood is right? How do you avoid renter's remorse? Don't sign a lease before attending this important session!
Project RISE invites you to our upcoming session with Madeleine White, a licensed realtor, who will guide you through the important points and questions you should be considering. This is a unique deep dive designed specifically for students.
What we'll cover:
- Budgeting 101: Identifying what you can actually afford.
- Neighborhood Intelligence: Criteria for finding your target location.
- Touring Like an Expert: What to ask and how to inspect a property before the ink dries.
- Financial Readiness: Preparing for credit checks and contracts.
Get the tools you need to move in with confidence!
When: Monday, April 20 -- 7:00 PM
Where: The Zoom link will be emailed to registered participants ahead of the event.
The College Blueprint: Build a Path That Actually Fits You
Choosing a college isn't just about the name of the sweatshirt---it's about the life you want to build. Whether you're a high school junior/senior, or community college student planning your transfer, Project RISE is breaking down the real college search.
What we're covering:
- The Major Choice: How to pick a degree without the mid-semester panic.
- The Vibe Check: Navigating campus layouts and why the Disability Office is your secret weapon for independence.
- The Money Talk: Asking the right questions to get the aid you actually need.
- The Reality Check: Is college the right move for everyone? (Spoiler: We'll explore alternative paths to success).
Don't just follow the crowd. Build your own way. Join our resident counselor educator, LaQuon Johnson, for an in-depth discussion on learning how to make the right decision for this next important chapter in your academic career!
When: Monday, May 4, 2026
Where: The Zoom link will be emailed to registered participants ahead of the event.
Credit 101: From First Card to Financial Independence
Is a credit card a magic piece of plastic or a financial trap? The answer depends on your strategy. Whether you're a high school senior or a college student looking to build a rock-solid reputation with banks, Project RISE is breaking down the credit code.
In this session, we're decoding:
- Credit vs. Debit: Why one is your money and the other is a power tool (and why that matters for your protection).
- The Vocabulary of Wealth: APR, Credit Limits, and the 30% Rule of Credit Utilization.
- Cash Back vs. Points: Are you team Cold Hard Cash or team Free Luxury Travel?
- The When and How: When does it actually make sense to open your first card?
Don't just spend money. Make your money work for you! Learn from the people with actual street cred on making credit cards work for them. For Joe Orozco and Mausam Mehta, maximizing credit card value is not just a hobby, it's a lifestyle, and we can't wait to share the winning playbook.
Register Now!
Please use the form below to sign up for one or all of these sessions. If you have trouble registering, please drop us a note, or give us a call: 703-594-9634.