ARLINGTON, Texas–The Arlington Chamber of Commerce Foundation has tapped Texas Trust Credit Union here to provide financial literacy training as part of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) training.
The UAS, or drone, training is part of the Wagner-Peyser Unmanned Aircraft System Consortium (UASC) grant issued in conjunction with the Texas Workforce Commission. The Wagner-Peyser project was established to lead Texas in building the future unmanned aviation industry workforce, according to Texas Trust. The grant is being used to establish capabilities and certification for two- and four-year higher education programs that will prepare Texans for jobs in the industry.
Texas Trust reported that more than 30 students, ages 18 to 24, from Tarrant County College, the University of Texas at Arlington, and the University of North Texas Denton participated in the UAS training. Texas Trust provided the required 20 hours of financial education instruction at the Tarrant County College Erma C. Johnson Northwest Center of Excellence for Aviation, Transportation and Logistics (CEATL).
That instruction covers everything from basic money management to specifics about managing credit, including payment cards and personal loans, as well as investing and financial considerations involved in starting a business, according to TTCU.
“There is a huge gap in financial literacy among college students,” said Karen Austin, senior director of education and workforce development and Wagner-Peyser project director of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “Since the UAS training is a demonstration program, we wanted to incorporate financial education with it to help students better prepare for life after graduation. Texas Trust was gracious in joining us as a community partner.”