Abound Credit Union (formerly Fort Knox Federal Credit Union) has been expanding its financial education programs all year to reach more Kentucky students. That commitment to financial training has continued, recently shifting to 100% online during the pandemic and supporting hundreds of students and their teachers. During the month of March 2020 alone, students participating in the program increased by 235. From October 2019 through March 2020 the Credit Union’s VAULT program has grown substantially, expanding from three to 11 schools, 262 to 1,582 students and 453 to 3,219 hours of learning. That’s a 611% increase in hours of learning and a 504% increase in students.
As teachers across Kentucky transitioned their students to non-traditional instruction (NTI), Abound Credit Union’s VAULT program, offered in partnership with EVERFI, has assisted teachers, students and parents in myriad ways. “My students were able to learn remotely about Financial Literacy through the program! I appreciated how engaging and easy to use this program was for my students,” says Jessica Whitlock, Teacher at Helmwood Heights Elementary in Elizabethtown. “My students loved the interactive set up of the lessons!”
“Both my Education 1 and AVID students at Fort Knox Middle School used the EVERFI online learning modules. The instructor was impressed by the rich content and ease of online accessibility for the students. Students found the modules to be user friendly and the online instruction was relevant to their school, career and college planning,” says Dr. Jennifer D. Washington, AVID Coordinator at Fort Knox Middle/High School.
Credit Union representatives Becky Ates, Executive Vice President, and Hollie Sexton, PR/Financial Education Professional, worked closely with teachers and parents to ensure financial education could continue online, as face-to-face classroom interaction had to be canceled. “Teachers are essential. When they welcome us into their classrooms, whether in-person or online, we provide them with quality learning platforms, training, technical support and engagement. We consider it a privilege to work alongside Kentucky Teachers to provide financial education to children,” says Sexton.
In addition to the financial education and training provided for youth, Abound Credit Union offers free online learning tools and resources for adults of all ages. The Credit Union is also continuing to offer payment relief and low-rate financing options for Kentuckians who may be impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The latest information about these options may be found online at www.aboundcu.com.
Jessica Whitlock Shows Students How to Navigate the Financial Training Program