Pueblo, CO (June 10, 2026) |
Minnequa Works Credit Union continued its commitment to building financial wellness across Southern Colorado during the 2025–2026 school year by delivering 52 financial literacy experiences that reached 700 students in grades four through eight.
Through partnerships with local schools, Minnequa Works provided a combination of classroom instruction and interactive Bite of Reality simulations designed to help students develop practical money management skills. Together, these programs gave students opportunities to learn about personal finance while applying those lessons through real-world financial decision-making experiences.
Students participated in financial education programs at multiple schools throughout the region, including partnerships with math, Introduction to Economics, and Personal Finance classes. Topics included budgeting, saving, investing, lending, insurance, and responsible money management.
Many of these learning experiences concluded with Bite of Reality, an interactive simulation that challenges students to navigate real-world budgeting decisions, unexpected expenses, and changing life circumstances. By combining classroom learning with hands-on application, students gained valuable insight into the financial choices they will face throughout their lives.
"The real-world experiences our students gained through this partnership are invaluable, and I am confident they will stay with them for years to come," said Gene Padilla, Principal of Pleasant View Middle School. "The feedback I have received from both students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive."
The partnership was especially impactful at Vineland Middle School, where students participated in an eight-week financial education series led by Minnequa Works team members.
"Our partnership with Minnequa Works Credit Union through Bite of Reality provides a powerful opportunity to plant the seed of financial possibility, responsibility, and ownership in our students at Vineland Middle School," said Katie Long, Professional School Counselor at Vineland Middle School. "As educators and school counselors, we recognize that our time with students is limited, making meaningful, real-world learning experiences especially valuable."
Long said the consistent presence of Minnequa Works team members throughout the program helped students build familiarity and trust while deepening their understanding of financial concepts.
"Over the course of eight weeks, professionals from Minnequa Works Credit Union came into our building to provide intentional financial learning opportunities," Long said. "Students became excited about the program and looked forward to each session. They were engaged not only with the presenters, but also with the real-world application of what they were learning."
Long added that the impact extends far beyond the classroom.
"While no single experience can make a student financially ready, programs like Bite of Reality spark curiosity and help students recognize the importance of financial literacy," Long said. "This program provided more than just financial knowledge. It created lasting impressions and meaningful dialogue, connected classroom learning to real-world experiences, and reinforced the importance of early, consistent exposure to financial literacy."
For Melissa Romero, Community Engagement Manager at Minnequa Works Credit Union, the program represents an investment in the future of Southern Colorado.
"Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, we had the privilege of delivering 52 financial literacy experiences that reached 700 students across Southern Colorado," Romero said. "Whether through classroom discussions or hands-on simulations, it has been incredible to watch students engage with these concepts, ask thoughtful questions, and begin connecting what they are learning today with the financial decisions they will make in the future."
Romero emphasized that financial literacy is one of the most important ways the credit union can support long-term success within the communities it serves.
"As a parent, I understand how important it is for young people to have access to financial education early in life," Romero said. "Not every student has the opportunity to learn these skills at home, which makes partnerships between schools and community organizations so valuable. Throughout the year, I have seen firsthand the positive impact these experiences have on students. It has been exciting to watch them learn, grow, and gain confidence while building a foundation that will serve them well for years to come."
Through partnerships with local schools and educators, the credit union continues to provide students with practical financial knowledge and hands-on experiences that prepare them for future success. If you are interested in learning more about how Minnequa Works Credit Union can support your organization or school with empowerment of financial literacy, you can explore at mymwcu.com
