TYSONS, Va.– PenFed Credit Union and EVERFI hosted a financial education event for 11th grade students at St. Mary’s High School in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The students recently completed the “Tu Dinero, Tu Sueño” (“Your Money, Your Dreams”) program, an innovative new digital financial education platform provided by PenFed through a partnership with EVERFI, an education technology innovator.
“PenFed believes an investment in today’s high school students is an investment in tomorrow’s leaders,” said James Schenck, president and CEO of PenFed Credit Union, and CEO of PenFed Foundation. “After Hurricane Maria, we asked Puerto Rico’s leaders what they needed most to best support recovery and build a strong future. We heard a lot about the need for financial literacy, creating jobs and investing in the island. PenFed listened and we are committed to supporting Puerto Rico long-term. PenFed is grateful for the schools’ support in launching this program and for EVERFI’s commitment to providing students financial education to create a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their community.”
The program provides over 500 students access to a no-cost cutting-edge curriculum that teaches them how to make smart financial decisions and prepares them for success. PenFed is working with 10 public and private schools in San Juan, Hatillo, Bayamón and Guaynabo to implement the program. Participating schools include St. Mary’s High School, Escuela Gabriela Mistral, Antilles High School, Colegio Capitan Correa and American Military University.
Community volunteers, including PenFed financial center managers, participated in a “speed networking” activity with the 75 students who recently completed the EVERFI financial education curriculum.
During the activity, students had the opportunity to ask PenFed and community volunteers questions as part of small group conversations tying back to the critical skills taught in the curriculum.
PenFed and EVERFI presented St. Mary’s with the Innovation in Financial Education Award recognizing the school as the first to join and implement the “Tu Dinero, Tu Sueño” program. The 11th graders were also the first class to complete the coursework.
The students were also joined by Cucuta Gonzalez, Director of the Academic Program of Social Studies, Puerto Rico Department of Education and Retired Major General Felix Santoni who previously commanded the U.S. Army Reserve Forces, Puerto Rico and the 7581st U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Buchanan. Students created dream cards in preparation for the event and shared the dreams they have for themselves and for Puerto Rico. The cards will be displayed as part of a community art project and tie back to the theme of taking control of your finances to help achieve your dreams.
PenFed Executive Vice President of Operations, Jamie Gayton (left) and Retired Major General, Felix Santoni (right) speak with St. Mary’s students during a speed networking activity.
“Following Hurricane Maria, PenFed was the first credit union to step forward and make a commitment to revitalizing the island of Puerto Rico,” said Ray Martinez, president, Financial Education, EVERFI. “I am proud to now call PenFed a partner in our endeavor to bring financial education to students in communities across the island. By providing students with the critical skills and knowledge they need to achieve their most ambitious dreams for their future, PenFed Credit Union’s Tu Dinero, Tu Sueño program is poised to make a significant impact in the lives of students and help empower communities across the island.”
As CUToday.info reported earlier, PenFed recently held a ribbon cutting event for its newly opened Hatillo financial center and plans to open two more branches as part of its long-term investment in Puerto Rico. PenFed currently serves nearly 200,000 members on the island through two other financial centers in San Juan and one in Fort Buchanan.
Following Hurricane Maria, PenFed supported its members in Puerto Rico by providing loan payment relief for borrowers facing hardships caused by the natural disaster. PenFed employees received $150,000 in aid packages that included a disaster relief stipend, two weeks’ worth of meals and a portable power generator.
PenFed also teamed up with Gary Sinise Foundation to host a benefit concert that raised national awareness of Puerto Rico’s ongoing hurricane recovery needs and delivered a night of relief and entertainment for survivors on the island.
Video from the financial education event can be found here and interviews here.