The Cash N’ Dreams Financial Literacy Program, sponsored by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Hagerstown Community College, Washington County Public Schools, F&M Trust, First United Bank, and the Governor’s Office for Children, celebrated its fourth year of supporting local students through financial education. Over the course of six months, 16 students participated in engaging and impactful financial literacy sessions while developing personalized plans to support their future college or entrepreneurship goals. Each session featured presentations from diverse local leaders in the business and community sectors who shared their personal and professional journeys, offering valuable insight, encouragement, and real-world perspectives on achieving success. The program concluded with a graduation ceremony in May hosted at South Hagerstown High School, recognizing the dedication and accomplishments of each student who completed the program. Through their commitment to this six-month experience, these students gained practical financial knowledge, meaningful community connections, and tangible resources aimed at empowering them to confidently take the next steps toward turning their dreams into reality.
*From an early point in the Cash N’ Dreams program, Kailey shared her passion for pursuing a career in cosmetology. She hopes to help others recognize their true beauty and feel confident, loved, and accepted for who they are. To begin making that dream a reality, Kailey has enrolled at Award Beauty School and will begin classes in the fall of 2026. To support her educational journey, Cash N’ Dreams awarded Kailey a scholarship that will help offset the cost of her coursework, allowing her to focus on developing the skills needed for a successful career in the beauty industry.
*At the outset of the Cash N’ Dreams program, Taylor expressed a strong interest in pursuing a career in index and stock trading. As a graduating junior, she has enrolled at Hagerstown Community College and will begin taking classes in the fall of 2026, building a strong educational foundation for a future in the finance and investment industry. To support Taylor’s academic and career aspirations, Cash N’ Dreams provided her with a personal laptop and accessories, along with a scholarship to help offset a portion of her first-semester expenses. These resources will help ensure she has the tools and support needed to succeed in her college coursework as she works toward her long-term goals.
*One senior in this year’s Cash N’ Dreams cohort, Abigail, has set her sights on becoming an elementary school teacher. She will begin her educational journey at Hagerstown Community College in the fall of 2026, where she will complete her general education requirements before transferring to a four-year college or university to earn her degree in Elementary Education. To support her academic success, Cash N’ Dreams provided Abigail with a personal laptop and accessories to assist with the successful completion of her coursework. In addition to her educational goals, Abigail hopes to continue pursuing her passion for photography while attending Hagerstown Community College by becoming involved with the college’s Media Club. To encourage both her academic and creative pursuits, Cash N’ Dreams also provided her with a camera kit, including a digital camera, lens, SD card, and carrying case, giving her the equipment needed to further develop her skills and contribute to the club.
*Jessica demonstrated a strong commitment to her education by choosing to pursue her associate’s degree through Hagerstown Community College while simultaneously working toward her high school diploma at South Hagerstown High School. To support her ambitious educational goals, Cash N’ Dreams provided Jessica with a personal laptop, accessories, and a study desk, equipping her with the resources needed for success both in high school and college.
*Another senior in the 2025–2026 Cash N’ Dreams cohort, Daniel has chosen to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. Following basic training, he plans to begin taking college courses while serving, with the long-term goal of earning a bachelor’s degree and pursuing a career as a lawyer. To support Daniel’s educational journey, Cash N’ Dreams provided him with a personal laptop and accessories, ensuring he has convenient access to online coursework while serving his country.
*Rakeb expressed a strong interest in pursuing a career in accounting, with the long-term goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). While she is still enrolled in high school, Rakeb plans to begin exploring online trainings and courses that will help build a strong foundation for her future studies and career in accounting. Cash N’ Dreams was pleased to provide Rakeb with a personal laptop and accessories, giving her the tools needed to access virtual training, complete online coursework, and continue preparing for a future in the accounting and finance field.
*Suzy aspires to build a career in the nursing field and will begin taking the first steps toward that goal by enrolling at Hagerstown Community College in the fall of 2026 to complete her general studies coursework. Upon completion of her general education requirements, she plans to apply to the college’s Nursing Program to continue pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. Cash N’ Dreams provided Suzy with the opportunity to participate in a Discover Medicine class offered through Hagerstown Community College where she explored a variety of nursing and healthcare careers through immersive experiences. In addition, Cash N’ Dreams provided Suzy with a personal laptop and accessories to assist her throughout her college journey.
*Evelyn’s passion for the environment and environmental science was sparked after taking a high school chemistry class, inspiring her to pursue a career in the field. She will begin her educational journey at Hagerstown Community College, where she will complete her general studies coursework before transferring to a nearby four-year institution to earn a degree in Environmental Science. Cash N’ Dreams awarded Evelyn a scholarship that will help offset the cost of her first semester and other related college expenses.
*Junnessa is exploring several potential career paths and has decided that joining the United States Air Force is the best way for her to gain experience while pursuing her future goals. She will begin basic training in the fall of 2026 and, upon completion, will start coursework supported by the Air Force that will lead to a bachelor’s degree. To support her educational journey, Cash N’ Dreams provided Junnessa with a personal laptop and additional accessories, giving her the tools needed for academic success as she begins this exciting new chapter.
*With dreams of pursuing a career in the medical field, Devin is taking the first steps toward achieving her professional goals. Beginning in the fall of 2026, she will attend Hagerstown Community College to complete her general studies coursework before transferring to a college or university to earn her degree. To support her academic success, Cash N’ Dreams provided Devin with a personal laptop and accessories, giving her the technology she will need to complete coursework and stay on track throughout her time at Hagerstown Community College.
*Another graduating senior in this year’s Cash N’ Dreams cohort, Shanell, expressed a strong interest in pursuing a career in carpentry and has enrolled in the Carpentry Program at the Bowman Training Center, in partnership with Hagerstown Community College. To support her educational journey, Cash N’ Dreams provided Shanell with a personal iPad and accessories, giving her the tools needed to create drawings and complete other course requirements as she begins preparing for a career in the skilled trades.
*As a graduating senior, Tom had a clear vision of attending Stevenson University to pursue a degree in Environmental Science, inspired by his passion for the outdoors and protecting the environment. Through the Cash N’ Dreams program, Tom received a scholarship that will help defray a portion of his first-semester tuition and other college-related expenses as he begins this exciting new chapter.
*Shaniara, a junior participating in the Cash N’ Dreams program, has set her sights on pursuing a career in cosmetology after graduating from high school. To begin working toward that goal, she has enrolled at Tri-State Beauty Academy, where she will earn her cosmetology certificate and develop the skills needed for a successful career in the beauty industry. To support Shaniara’s educational journey, Cash N’ Dreams awarded her a scholarship to help defray a portion of the costs associated with her cosmetology classes, bringing her one step closer to achieving her career aspirations.
*Jordin shared her dream of becoming an entrepreneur by building a business centered on art, music, and digital animation. This fall, she will begin her educational journey at Howard Community College as she works toward turning her creative passions into a successful career. To support Jordin’s goals, Cash N’ Dreams awarded her a college scholarship to help offset a portion of her educational expenses. In addition, the program provided her with a dress form, along with a personal iPad and accessories, giving her the tools needed to develop her digital animation portfolio and continue exploring her artistic talents.
*With her sights set on earning a degree in psychology and the long-term goal of becoming a mental health therapist, Rachel will begin her academic journey at the University of Maryland in the fall of 2026. There, she will work toward building the knowledge and skills needed for a career dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of others. To help support Rachel’s educational goals, Cash N’ Dreams awarded her a scholarship that will help defray a portion of the costs associated with her first semester, allowing her to focus on achieving success in her college studies.
*One of the younger members of this year’s Cash N’ Dreams cohort, Jeliekatu has expressed a strong interest in pursuing a medical career with a focus on bioengineering. To encourage her exploration of the healthcare field, Cash N’ Dreams provided her with a scholarship and opportunity to participate in Hagerstown Community College’s Discover Medicine summer program. Through this immersive, hands-on experience, she was introduced to a variety of medical career pathways and gained valuable insight into opportunities within the healthcare profession. As Jeliekatu continues to refine her educational and career goals, Cash N’ Dreams will remain committed to connecting her with additional resources, experiences, and opportunities to help her achieve her goals.
