Area residents are getting a free education in how to manage their money. DoverPhila Federal Credit Union is working with Banzai, a national award-winning financial literacy program, to make the curriculum available to the community and 10 schools in Tuscarawas County, completely free.
“Banzai is a web-based financial literacy program. Kids have their own bank accounts, and they work through assignments that are based on real life,” Morgan Vandagriff, co-founder of Banzai, said. “But because DoverPhila is sponsoring it, local schools get it for free. More than ever, it’s important that kids develop sound financial skills to prepare them for the real world. DoverPhila realizes that, and they’re doing something about it.”
Banzai is an interactive, online program supplemented by printed workbooks which aligns with state curriculum requirements for personal finance education. It has become the largest program of its kind, servicing more than 35,000 teachers and available in all 50 states.
“We’ve offered time, money, industry experience, and a variety of credit union resources to help our schools teach personal finance in the classroom,” Shana Simmons, Director of Marketing & Member Services, said. “Students using the program are exposed to real-life scenarios where they learn to pay bills and balance a budget – but it’s not always easy. Students must learn to manage unexpected expenses such as parking tickets, interest charges, and overdraft fees. The educational program also introduces students to auto loans, bank statements, entertainment costs, savings, and more.”
“Too often students get out of school and they just aren’t ready for the financial roller coasters life can give us,” Vandagriff said. “Banzai teaches students to navigate those twists and turns and come out on top. We’re excited to work with DoverPhila to improve financial literacy in local schools.”
Those interested in using the Banzai program can click here for more information.
