Press
Foundation encourages credit unions to leverage The Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program
The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) is encouraging credit unions to explore The Berenstain Bears® Financial Literacy Program as a way to reach elementary school students.
The Credit Union Network for Financial Literacy (CUNFL) is the exclusive purveyor of The Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program, which enhances financial literacy while promoting the benefits of credit union membership. It includes the Credit Union Financial Literacy Series of books featuring the beloved Berenstain Bears, the Cub Account, and associated lesson plans and activities developed by early childhood education experts.
“Both the Foundation and CUNFL share the mission of improving people’s financial lives through credit unions, particularly by using financial literacy,” said Gigi Hyland, Foundation Executive Director. “Leveraging the well-known Berenstain Bears materials will help arm the youngest generation of consumers up to age 10 with engaging financial education knowledge from CUNFL. Additionally, the Foundation’s Biz Kid$ program is a great next step to continue that education for older kids.”
For example, in the latest book, “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Credit Union,” the Berenstain cubs learn that a credit union is a safe place to keep money and a place where they can watch their savings grow. A tour of the credit union branch takes them to the teller line, vault, drive-through window, coin-counter, manager’s desk, member service station, and more. Children and their parents also learn the benefits of member-owned financial institutions.
“Our certified educators worked diligently to develop a turnkey children’s education and marketing program that focuses on the concept Save, Share, Spend, Earn and the value of credit union membership, and we are honored to have the Foundation’s seal of approval,” said Rick Durante, The Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program National Director.
