New Jersey Credit Union Foundation and NJ CUs reach over 2,800 students with Reality Fair program in 2017/2018 school year
CHARLOTTE, NC (June 18, 2018) — During the 2017/2018 school year, the New Jersey Credit Union Foundation’s (Foundation) Financial Reality Fair program had another record year, reaching over 2,800 students throughout the state of New Jersey! Credit unions held 16 Fairs at various high schools, middle schools, and colleges across the state.
The Foundation gave over $14,700 in grants to nine credit unions for the program this year.
“Financial literacy is at the core of our mission here at the Foundation,” said Foundation Chairman Michael Hou. “By providing grants to offset the Reality Fair program costs, we are empowering our credit unions to educate those in their community, especially those in high school and college today.”
With the demand for the program increasing, the Board recently approved an increase of the number of grants available to New Jersey credit unions from two to four grants per school year. The Board will continue to consider grant applications for 50% of the Reality Fair costs.
“This program is the ‘people helping people’ philosophy at its finest,” said Foundation Secretary/Treasurer and New Jersey Credit Union League President/CEO David Frankil. “Our member credit unions are helping to educate and empower young people before they step out into the ‘real world’ in a fun, accessible, and hands-on way that promotes thrift, good spending/savings habits, and credit unions as a viable option for banking.”
“Since I started at the League and the Foundation eight years ago, I have seen this program grow and flourish, and it warms my heart,” said Foundation Executive Director Marissa Anema, who helped build and develop the program in 2010. “With many schools burdened by the financial literacy mandate from the State, as well as increasingly scarce resources and budget restraints, the Reality Fair program¾which is offered at absolutely no cost to schools¾helps fill both a requirement and a void. I am proud of what this program and credit unions across the state have achieved since its humble beginnings.”
About New Jersey Credit Union League
Formed in 1934, the New Jersey Credit Union League is the statewide trade association representing credit unions and is committed to the development of the credit union movement in New Jersey. Our mission includes a full range of services, programs, products and money-saving opportunities specifically designed to satisfy a credit union's operational, financial, training, compliance and overall growth and development needs. For more information visit www.njcul.org. New Jersey’s credit unions serve 1.1 million members throughout the state with financial products and services. They offer a popular alternative to traditional banks with better rates and lower fees than other institutions. For more information visit www.bankingyoucantrust.com.
