SUITLAND, Md. — Andrews Federal Credit Union has launched a new youth financial literacy initiative aimed at providing high school students with practical money management skills and career preparation, the credit union announced.
According to the $2.5-billion Andrews Federal, the inaugural program, “Make It My Life: Real World Money Empowerment Experience,” is funded through credit union foundation grants and is designed to help students develop the financial knowledge needed to make informed decisions as they transition into adulthood.
The pilot program will serve 10 high school students from communities within the credit union’s field of membership. Over four sessions, participants will receive instruction on budgeting, credit, fraud prevention, financial responsibility, career development and other personal finance topics intended to prepare them for real-world financial situations.
‘Knowledge & Confidence’
“Our credit union team designed this program to give young people the knowledge and confidence to take control of their financial futures,” Damita Robinson, Andrews Federal’s chief operating officer, said in a statement. “As students complete the program, they will gain both practical skills they can use immediately and a stronger understanding of how today’s financial decisions can shape tomorrow’s opportunities.”
The curriculum will be taught by Andrews Federal employees with expertise in financial wellness, fraud prevention, risk management and consumer financial services. The credit union said participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from professionals working in those fields.
Developed With Grant from Vizo
According to Andrews Federal, the initiative was developed using funding from the Vizo Financial Empowerment Grant and the Financial Literacy Grant.
As part of the grant funding, each student enrolled in the program will receive a tablet to use during the sessions and will be allowed to keep the device after completing the program. The credit union said the tablets are intended to help reduce technology barriers and support students’ continued learning beyond the program.
