Andigo Credit Union Offers Award-Winning Financial Literacy Program Free for Local Classrooms

Originally posted on dailyherald.com

SCHAUMBURG -- Local high school students are getting a free education in how to manage their money. Andigo Credit Union is working with Banzai, a national award-winning financial literacy program, to make curriculum available to seven Cook and DuPage County high schools, completely free.

"Banzai is a web-based financial literacy program. Kids get their own accounts, and they work through assignments that are based on real life," Morgan Vandagriff, co-founder of Banzai, said. "But because Andigo 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 Andigo Credit Union realizes that and they're doing something about it."

At Andigo Credit Union, giving back to the community is a central part of our mission.

Teacher testimonial: "Thank you so much for sponsoring my "Living On Your Own" class. Personal finance is such an important part of preparing students for life after high school. The Banzai program with real-life simulations is a great addition to our curriculum. We really appreciate the sponsorship."

Student testimonial on what they learned: "That budgeting is the best way to by signing up you agree to our terms of service manage money."

Andigo also offers classroom presentations, branch tours and interviews with our finance professionals. Our goal is to help support teachers in their efforts to facilitate financial education in the classroom.

"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 Andigo Credit Union to improve financial literacy in their local schools."

Banzai is an interactive, online program supplemented by printed workbooks that align with state curriculum requirements for personal finance education. The educational program also introduces students to auto loans, bank statements, entertainment costs, savings and more. It has become the largest program of its kind, servicing more than 50,000 teachers and available in all 50 states.

For more information contact Julie Selof, Community Relationship Manager at Andigo Credit Union at 847-538-2973 or visit https://www.andigo.org/andigo/making-a-difference.

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