Dollar Scholars was founded by Dr. Jeffrey Dickinson, a development economist with a passion for applying rigorous research to real-world social challenges. Growing up in northwest Washington, DC, Jeff was exposed firsthand to the energy and policy discussions that shape the nation's capital. After earning a bachelor's degree in Economics from Emory University, he was inspired by Professor Gordon Streeb to continue his studies and pursue economics at a higher level. He went on to complete a master's degree and PhD in Economics at the Geneva Graduate Institute.
The foundations of the vision
Driven by a desire to measure and understand the effectiveness of public policy, Jeff enrolled in Impact Evaluation during his first semester in Geneva. The course introduced him to the tools economists use to assess whether policies and programs achieve their intended goals. Through the lens of anti-poverty interventions in low-income countries, he learned how careful empirical analysis can identify what works, what does not, and why.
During this period, Jeff developed a close professional relationship with Professor Jean-Louis Arcand. Sharing North American roots and similar intellectual interests, the two quickly formed a strong bond. Professor Arcand would later serve as Jeff's PhD supervisor and eventually become his co-author.
Working alongside Professor Arcand, Jeff strengthened his empirical research skills, expanded his programming expertise, and gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of engaging directly with the people whose lives are affected by economic policies. Arcand's own experiences working with leading development economists such as Jean Tirole, Alain de Janvry, and Elizabeth Sadoulet at the Centre d'Études et de Recherches sur le Développement International (CERDI) reinforced the value of combining rigorous analysis with an understanding of local realities. De Janvry and Sadoulet, in particular, were widely recognized for their influential work on rural economies and poverty reduction.
Although much of Jeff's research focused on challenges faced by communities in developing countries, he often found himself asking how these lessons could be applied closer to home in Washington, DC. While the contexts differ, many barriers are surprisingly similar. Residents in underserved communities may struggle to access affordable, high-quality healthcare. Aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, often face difficulties obtaining the capital needed to launch or grow a business. These parallels highlighted the broader relevance of development economics beyond international settings.
The students inspire the vision
After completing his PhD under Professors Jean-Louis Arcand and Nicolas Berman, Jeff joined American University as an adjunct instructor, teaching courses in development economics, microeconomics, econometrics, and macroeconomics. In his classrooms, he frequently emphasized the importance of financial literacy as a foundation for making informed financial decisions. While economists often focus on the benefits of credit as a tool for economic opportunity, Jeff recognized that access to credit alone is not enough. Individuals also need the knowledge and confidence to use financial tools effectively and responsibly.
Throughout his doctoral studies, Jeff admired organizations such as GiveDirectly and Heifer International for their ability to translate development economics research into practical, measurable social impact. At the same time, his experience teaching undergraduates revealed another challenge. Students regularly approached him seeking internship opportunities, only to discover that many economics-related positions were primarily geared toward graduate students. The disappointment and untapped potential he saw in these conversations left a lasting impression.
The combination of these experiences, together with countless conversations about financial literacy and social impact, ultimately led to the idea behind Dollar Scholars. Jeff recognized that motivated undergraduate students, when properly trained, could become effective educators and advocates for financial literacy. From that insight, the vision for Dollar Scholars began to take shape.
The consolidated vision
At its core, Dollar Scholars seeks to expand access to financial education through a network of dedicated volunteer instructors. The organization focuses particularly on adults who may have had limited access to financial education earlier in life, including Spanish speakers, women, and other underserved communities. By equipping individuals with practical financial knowledge, Dollar Scholars aims to help participants make informed financial decisions, build economic security, and pursue opportunities that may have previously felt out of reach.
Dollar Scholars exists to advance this mission: bringing high-quality financial education to those who need it most while empowering talented and socially conscious students to create meaningful change within their communities. Beyond personal finance, the organization hopes to support entrepreneurs and small business owners who may possess the ambition to succeed but lack the financial knowledge needed to confidently navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business.
Today, Dollar Scholars remains guided by the principles that have shaped Jeff's academic and professional journey: rigorous measurement, evidence-based decision-making, and meaningful 1-on-1 community engagement. Inspired by mentors such as Dr. Gordon Streeb, his PhD supervisors, and the students he works with, Jeff believes that lasting economic progress is built on both knowledge and opportunity. Through Dollar Scholars, that belief is put into practice by helping individuals gain the financial skills they need to improve their lives and strengthen their communities.