Del Norte Credit Union Makes Award-Winning Financial Literacy Program Free For Local Classrooms

Originally posted on ladailypost.com

“Banzai is a web-based financial literacy program. Kids get their own accounts, and they work through assignments that are based on real life,” Banzai co-founder Morgan Vandagriff said. “But because Del Norte Credit Union 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, and Del Norte Credit Union 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 14,000 teachers in all 50 states.

Del Norte Credit Union has offered time, money, industry experience, and a variety of credit union resources to help Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Los Alamos county schools teach personal finance in the classroom. 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 Del Norte Credit Union to improve financial literacy in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Los Alamos counties.”

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