Kelsea Ballerini Launches Rising Stars Program with SoFi

Kelsea Ballerini Launches Rising Stars Program with SoFi to Empower Tennessee Students

Written by Amanda Tempel

Kelsea Ballerini is reaching new heights in every aspect of her career. From becoming the face of major brands to selling out her first-ever arena tour and earning a nomination for Entertainer of the Year from the Academy of Country Music, her momentum shows no signs of slowing. Yet, amid her stardom, Ballerini remains committed to giving back. Most recently, she teamed up with SoFi to launch the Rising Stars Program, supporting students in Tennessee.

Kelsea says, "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!”

What Is the Rising Stars Program?

Developed in partnership with tnAchieves, a nonprofit focused on college access and success, the Rising Stars Program is backed by a $2 million investment. SoFi is contributing over $500,000 in grants to expand tnAchieves' COMPLETE program.

This support includes:

• 1:1 student coaching

• Financial assistance for food, housing, laptops, textbooks, and emergency needs

• A new financial literacy curriculum covering budgeting, investing, and saving for major milestones

Real Impact on Tennessee Students

The COMPLETE program has shown measurable results—students who participate are six times more likely to graduate than their peers.

“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,” said Krissy DeAlejandro, President/CEO of tnAchieves. “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.”

Free Stock to Jumpstart Financial Journeys

To help students begin investing early, SoFi is offering Tennessee residents aged 18–24 a free stock reward. Eligible participants can receive between $5 and $1,000 in stock of their choice—no deposit or fees required.

• Registration: June 6 – July 31, 2025

• Eligibility: Tennessee residents ages 18–24 with no existing SoFi Invest account

• Learn more at: sofi.com/RisingStars

Part of a Bigger Mission

The Rising Stars Program is part of the SoFi Generational Wealth Fund, which supports underserved communities through initiatives including:

• Homeownership assistance for low-income families

• High school athletic program funding

• Family planning financial aid

• Women’s financial empowerment

Kelsea Ballerini joins an impressive list of partners in this mission, including NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum, tennis icon Venus Williams, NFL quarterback Justin Herbert, and WNBA forward Cameron Brink.

About SoFi

SoFi Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOFI) is a digital financial platform helping over 10.9 million members achieve financial independence. Through SoFi’s app, users can borrow, save, spend, invest, and access financial planners—all in one place. Learn more at sofi.com.

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