Albuquerque, NM (May 13, 2025) |
For the third year running, in partnership with the Credit Union Association of New Mexico (CUANM), Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared April as Financial Literacy Month, reinforcing the importance of financial education in our communities. In celebration of this declaration, the Credit Union Foundation of New Mexico launched an initiative titled "New Mexico Credit Unions Read." During the week of April 21-25, credit union volunteers across the state devoted their time to promote financial literacy among elementary school students.
This year, over 200 volunteers from 16 credit unions, as well as New Mexico State Treasurer Laura Montoya, participated in the New Mexico Credit Unions Read initiative, reaching over 12,000 students statewide. Volunteers read the book Tia Isa Wants a Car, by Meg Medina, which provides a compelling narrative to introduce concepts of financial decision-making and saving.
"Great things are happening in New Mexico!" say Melia Heimbuck, President and CEO of the Credit Union Association of New Mexico. "This initiative not only highlights the commitment of New Mexico's credit unions to our communities but also their dedication to empowering the next generation with essential financial skills. It’s heartwarming to see the impact our volunteers have when they connect with children through stories that carry powerful lessons."
In addition to volunteers reading to students, the initiative took a comprehensive educational approach by providing teachers with specialized curriculum and discussion guides. These resources are designed to facilitate a full financial literacy unit in classrooms, helping teachers build on the themes presented in Tia Isa Wants a Car and further explore the importance of making informed financial choices.
By instilling financial literacy skills at an early age, New Mexico Credit Unions Read ensures that our young citizens are equipped to become savvy consumers and responsible financial stakeholders in the future.
