HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. —Continuing its commitment to advancing financial literacy in local communities, Nuvision Credit Union recently completed the second year of its How Money Works financial education course at Costa Mesa High School in Costa Mesa, California.
More than 225 students have participated in the program since its launch two years ago.
The year-long financial literacy class, held monthly from September through May, enrolled 100 students ranging from freshmen to seniors. Through a partnership with Ontario, California-based HowMoneyWorks.com, the program empowers students with essential money management skills to help them make informed decisions about their financial futures.
For students, the final class session marked the end of a nine-month journey that helped prepare them for life after graduation, Nuvision said.
The program concluded in May with a celebration recognizing student achievements. All participating students were recognized with certificates honoring their commitment to financial education. Fourteen graduating seniors were also awarded scholarships of up to $1,000 for their compelling video reflections on the lessons they learned, and the impact the course had on their financial goals and future aspirations.
“The classes showed me that money is a skill—the more you learn, the better you get,” noted graduating senior Ernest. “It’s a mindset that will help me in the future.”
Valerie, another graduating senior, said “one of my biggest takeaways was that your network equals your net worth, and the importance of surrounding yourself with financially responsible, goal-oriented people.”
Throughout the school year, students participated in interactive lessons covering budgeting, saving, credit, investing, college costs, and financial decision-making. What began as lessons in personal finance evolved into broader discussions about responsibility, confidence, goal setting, and long-term planning.
The course was led by financial educator Lester Baron and the How Money Works team, with support from Nuvision employee volunteers.
“It’s a pleasure partnering with Nuvision to bring this important series of financial literacy classes to students,” said Baron. “Through this program we were able to teach students the essential skills that will be vital in helping them building a financial foundation to build and manage their lives financially now and in the future.”
“Financial literacy is central to Nuvision’s mission, and we’re proud to partner with How Money Works to bring these important lessons to students in our communities,” said Roger Ballard, Nuvision CEO. “The positive feedback from students demonstrates the value of helping young people learn how to budget, save, build credit, invest, and make informed decisions for a stronger financial future.”
Educators at Costa Mesa High School praised the program’s impact on student engagement and financial awareness, noting students’ growth and increased understanding of managing personal finances.
“The How Money Works class has been a game changer for our students,” said Tim Postiff, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Program Coordinator at Costa Mesa High School. “The Nuvision team’s financial knowledge and ability to connect with young people on a personal level has allowed our students to walk away with individual financial goals and the confidence to see those goals to fruition.”.”
“The students were excited and engaged from start to finish and immediately began applying what they learned,” said Hunter MacDonald, History Teacher and Social Science Co-Department Chair. “The program created a community that helps young people understand how to make money work to their advantage.”
Heather Orduña, math and AVID elective teacher, noted that it can be difficult to get teenagers to engage and invest in learning about their money. “It is typically an idea that seems so far away to them.” But, with this class, she said they were “actively engaging and being reflective and thoughtful about how they will save, invest, and spend their money in the future.”
“Nuvision’s How Money Works program has been amazing for our students,” added Timothy Richards, World History Teacher. “The lessons have been interactive, progressed the concepts so students stay engaged, and most importantly the students love attending.
“As schools continue expanding financial literacy education, our partnership with Costa Mesa High School demonstrates the lasting impact community partnerships can have on students both inside and outside the classroom,” concluded Ballard.
