Altra Federal Credit Union makes Award-Winning Financial Literacy Program Free for Local Classrooms

Originally posted on discoverclarksville.com

The local credit union has teamed with Banzai, a national award-winning financial literacy program, to make the program available to local teachers and students, completely free.

“Banzai teaches students the value of a dollar through real-life scenarios that are both interactive and fun,” said Morgan Vandagriff, co-founder of Banzai. “Because of the generosity of Altra Federal Credit Union, the Banzai program can be used by local teachers and students at no cost to them. More than ever in our history, students need to develop sound financial literacy skills to prepare them for the financial challenges of life.”

Banzai is an interactive, online program supplemented by printed workbooks which aligns with state curriculum requirements for personal finance education. In 2010 the Institute for Financial Literacy awarded Banzai the Curriculum of the Year award. It has become the largest program of its kind, servicing more than 5,000 schools in all 50 states.

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 graduate from grade school unprepared for the financial roller coasters life can give us,” said Vandagriff. “Banzai teaches students to navigate those twists and turns and come out on top. Banzai is excited to work with Altra Federal Credit Union to accomplish this common goal of improving financial literacy. ”

Teachers interested in using the Banzai program can visit teachbanzai.com or call 888-8-BANZAI.