RALEIGH, N.C.–More than 70 students and faculty members from Wakefield and Durant Road Middle Schools traveled visited the headquarters of State Employees Credit Union for a Students@Work initiative. The event, focused on personal finance and career exploration, is one of many SECU activities taking place throughout March in local schools and CU branches statewide.
During their visit, students participated in a real-life financial education exercise, The Reality of Money, where they learned about budgeting, managing money, and the importance of making smart financial decisions as young, independent adults. Students later had the opportunity to discuss SECU careers with a panel of Credit Union employees. Before returning to school, the group toured branch and operations areas, offering students a chance to see how business professionals use their education on the job.
Chandra Campbell, Career Development Coordinator at Wakefield Middle School, brought 35 of her students to participate in the event. “We’re excited to spend a day at State Employees’ Credit Union. It’s important for today’s youth to learn about money early so that they will be able to save for their future. Students loved the opportunity to learn about the many careers in the financial industry. We thank SECU for having an impact on the community,” said Campbell.
SECU has participated in the Students@Work program for nine years, teaming up with the North Carolina Business Committee for Education and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Since 2011, Credit Union employees statewide have reached nearly 70,000 middle school students through Students@Work events – presenting helpful financial exercises such as The Reality of Money simulation, career information, and workplace experiences. The goal of the program is for North Carolina businesses to help middle school students see career opportunities that exist in the workplace and gain knowledge of skills needed to obtain those jobs in their community.
“The Students@Work program is a great way to involve young students in conversations that reinforce the importance of education and sound financial skills. Students return to school motivated and armed with resources about personal finance, careers relevant to today’s workplace, and the education levels needed to work in those fields,” remarked Jimmy Goodrum, SECU Senior Vice President of Member Education and Outreach.