The first two recipients of MMCDC’s Youth Matched Savings used their funds to purchase transportation to college. Natasha Rodenwald and Alana Usher participated in a Native American cultural work experience through Sah-Kah-Tay Indigenous Preservation Society that placed 25 percent of their earnings into a restricted savings account. MMCDC pledged $500 in match if they met certain criteria, including high school graduation, and they succeeded.
The Youth Savings Program was administered in partnership with the White Earth Investment Initiative and Community Development Bank. It was designed to reward youth for financial asset-building and educational attainment, and was modeled on matched savings programs established internationally to combat poverty.