Dealing With Debt (DWD), a nonprofit financial literacy and wellness social media platform, is proud to announce its acceptance as an Allied Partner Member of the Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU), the national association representing postsecondary career education institutions. This strategic alignment marks a significant step in both organizations shared mission to prepare individuals not just for the workforce, but for lifelong financial stability.

Through this partnership, DWD will become a trusted financial education resource for CECU’s member institutions and their students, offering accessible, judgment-free financial literacy tools and a social learning community tailored to meet the unique needs of trade school learners.

“Trade schools equip students with essential work-ready skills—our goal is to complement that training with financial literacy and personal wellness education that sustains long-term success,” said Shawn Tarrant, CEO of Dealing With Debt. “We believe financial education should be practical, accessible, and stigma-free. This partnership helps us meet students where they are and provide the tools they need to build confidence with managing their finances.”

A Coalition for Career & Consumer Success

This partnership also brings DWD and CECU into closer alignment on joint advocacy efforts, recognizing that financial wellness and workforce readiness are interconnected public policy issues. Both organizations are committed to protecting the rights and opportunities of students—especially those from underserved backgrounds—by addressing harmful educational and financial policies and promoting access to trusted, mission-aligned resources.

Through CECU, DWD aims to work directly with CECU’s member trade schools to support:

• Early-stage financial education for students enrolling in skilled trades
• Preventative learning interventions to reduce student debt-related stress and improve retention.
• Co-branded content and podcasts to elevate the significance and value of trade education in today’s economy.

As part of the collaboration, CECU member schools will have the opportunity to provide students with free access to DWD’s interactive, gamified learning platform, where users earn points, ranks, and achievements that can be redeemed for real-world rewards for participating in financial education and personal wellness programming.

“Financial literacy is more than a subject—it’s a foundational life skill. And for students pursuing skilled careers, it can be the difference between surviving and thriving,” said Samantha Cornmesser, Director of Member Partnerships of CECU. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to building not just skilled workers—but financially confident individuals and communities.”

About Dealing With Debt

Dealing With Debt is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to reducing financial stress and building financial confidence through education, expert guidance, and a supportive, judgment-free social community. We provide a unique social learning platform where users can engage in financial education, interact with peers for support, and earn real-life rewards to accelerate long-term behavioral change. Learn more at www.dealingwithdebt.org.

About CECU

Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) is the national organization serving postsecondary career education schools, staff, and students. CECU is a strong advocate for career-focused education, providing leadership in government relations, research, and member support. Learn more at www.career.org.

Media Contacts

Desmond Stinnie

Chief Innovation Officer

Dealing With Debt

office@dealingwithdebt.org

Jenny Faubert

VP of Communications

Career Education Colleges and Universities

jenny.faubert@career.org