EAST HARTFORD, Conn.–Area students are getting a free education in how to manage their money. American Eagle Financial Credit Union is working with Banzai, a national, award-winning financial literacy program, to make curriculum available to more than 600 students in eight local schools at no charge. Schools signed up to date are: The Metropolitan Learning Center in Bloomfield, The Learning Center in Cromwell, Pathways to Technology Magnet School and East Hartford High School in East Hartford, Glastonbury High School in Glastonbury, Illing Middle School in Manchester, Mercy High School in Middletown, and Southington High School in Southington.
Banzai is a web-based financial literacy program. Students set up their own accounts, and work through assignments that are based on real life financial situations. American Eagle Financial Credit Union’s sponsorship means it will be free.
“Now more than ever, it's important that kids develop sound financial skills to prepare them for the real world, and American Eagle Financial Credit Union realizes that, so they're doing something about it", said Morgan Vandagriff, co-founder of Banzai.
“Youth education with an emphasis on personal finance is an important area that the Credit Union is committed to improving throughout towns we serve. Our partnership with Banzai will allow us to continue that commitment in the digital age,” said Brian Kennedy, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer.
American Eagle Financial Credit Union has offered time, money, industry experience, and a variety of credit union resources to help local schools teach personal finance in the classroom. Students using the program are exposed to real-life scenarios where they learn to pay bills and balance a budget--but it’s not always easy. Students must learn to manage unexpected expenses such as parking tickets, interest charges, and overdraft fees. The educational program also introduces students to auto loans, bank statements, entertainment costs, savings, and more.
“Too often students get out of school and they just aren't ready for the financial roller coasters life can give us,” Vandagriff said. “Banzai teaches students to navigate those twists and turns and come out on top. We're excited to work with American Eagle Financial Credit Union to improve financial literacy in local schools.”