SoFi Technologies, Inc. has announced a new partnership with country music artist Kelsea Ballerini and the nonprofit organization tnAchieves to launch the Rising Stars Program. This initiative will invest $2 million to support Tennessee students in their pursuit of financial independence and career success.
The Rising Stars Program will provide over $500,000 in grants to tnAchieves to expand its COMPLETE program. These funds will help deliver 1:1 coaching and financial support for students preparing for high-skill, high-wage careers, along with a specialized financial readiness curriculum that will reach about 60,000 students statewide.
Tennessee residents aged 18-24 can also receive at least $5 in stock—up to $1,000—through SoFi’s platform without any deposit or fees required. The registration period for this offer runs from June 6 to July 31, 2025. More information is available at sofi.com/RisingStars.
Kelsea Ballerini commented on her involvement by saying, “It has taken me years of hard work to reach my ambitions, and I’ve been lucky to have the support of so many people along the way. I’m incredibly proud to be working with SoFi to give students in Tennessee the financial tools and education they need to succeed. Investing even small amounts of money in your 20s will go further than larger amounts invested later in life. Building true financial independence starts by investing in your future early…in all the ways!”
The COMPLETE program at tnAchieves provides coaching and assistance for college enrollment requirements as well as aid for food, housing, laptops, textbooks, and emergency needs. Students participating in this program are reportedly six times more likely to graduate compared to peers who do not participate.
Krissy DeAlejandro, President/CEO of tnAchieves, stated: “tnAchieves could not be more excited to partner with SoFi to bring financial literacy resources to our students and families, helping more Tennesseans achieve their ambitions of going to college and earning a high-quality degree. The Rising Stars Program will provide our students with the critical support and mentorship they need to get into college, pursue meaningful careers, and build generational wealth. We are grateful for their support as tnAchieves executes programs designed to build Tennessee’s future workforce by meeting each student where they are—at scale.”
Lauren Stafford Webb, CMO at SoFi added: “At SoFi, we’re committed to helping people achieve financial independence to realize their ambitions. And we know access to financial education, coaching, and investment tools can drive generational wealth and long-term success. This partnership is about creating real opportunity for young people to get their money right and build the foundation for their financial future. As a mother and a Tennessean, I care deeply about investing in the state’s next generation, and SoFi is honored to work alongside Kelsea Ballerini and tnAchieves to make an impact.”
The Rising Stars Program is part of SoFi's Generational Wealth Fund efforts that aim at supporting underserved communities through initiatives such as home ownership assistance for low-income families, funding athletic programs at high schools, providing family planning aid, and empowering women toward greater financial independence.
SoFi serves over 10 million members nationwide through its digital banking services including lending products (like loans), checking accounts (SoFi Checking & Savings), investment platforms (SoFi Invest), credit cards (SoFi Credit Card), insurance (SoFi Protect), budgeting tools (SoFi Insights), as well as technology solutions provided through its Galileo platform.