High Point, NC 10/8/2012 - Members Credit Union (MCU) kicked off their first financial literacy program at the Piedmont School in High Point, NC. This 2-part program focused on the importance of saving, maintaining a checking account, and the difference between credit unions and banks. MCU’s PR Director, Carla Kimel, and PR Assistant, Andrea Blanton, presented the seminar to 7
th and 8
thgraders.
"Students are interested in getting a financial education and teachers want to offer it in their classroom," remarked Kimel. "But with budget constraints and large curriculum requirements to fulfill it’s difficult for schools to make financial literacy a priority. That’s why we are making it our priority to partner with schools to provide a financial education."
During MCU’s financial literacy program, students participated in several hands-on activities that taught them how to write a check, balance a checkbook, and determine the difference between purchasing based on need and purchasing based on want.
"The Financial Literacy Seminar really planted a seed of financial awareness with the students. They learned to keep track of their expenses, the difference between a credit union and a bank, and how to fill out a check," said Kelli Saenz, Interim Director at The Piedmont School. "A very worthwhile experience!"
The first part of the program took place on a Monday. Students were asked to record their spending during the week, and when MCU returned on Friday for part two of the program there was a classroom discussion on spending habits, a review of part one, and a quiz. MCU plans to expand the financial literacy program and offer it to other schools.
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About The Piedmont School
The Piedmont School, founded in 1982, is a non-profit organization that provides a unique learning environment for children in the community with learning disabilities and/or Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder ADHD. The average teacher/student ratio is 1:5, which allows for necessary individualized instruction. All students are continually monitored and assessed to ensure progress in targeted learning outcomes. The Piedmont School is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Students in kindergarten through eighth grades attend this school.
About Members Credit Union
Members Credit Union has been providing personal financial services to our 51,000 members since 1953. The credit union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution providing more than 470 companies with financial services for their employees with administrative offices in Winston-Salem, NC, and 18 branches throughout North Carolina. Visit www.memcu.com for more information.
