West Virginia Central Credit Union pushing financial literacy

Originally posted on newsandsentinel.com

PARKERSBURG — West Virginia Central Federal credit Union is encouraging financial literacy education to more than 2,000 students and residents in Wood County.

Students and surrounding communities will have free access to Banzai, an award-winning online program and content library allowing users to practice real-world finance from the safety of their home or classroom using any internet-enabled device. At a time when a solid foundation of practical financial knowledge is critical, these resources will make a huge impact on users, the credit union said.

Through the Banzai online courses, students try out managing a budget, saving for a goal and dealing with unexpected financial pitfalls. Teachers are able to remotely monitor and grade student progress.

Other resources, which include articles, calculators and personalizable coach sessions, explain everything from the basics of filing taxes to how health insurance works. Resources are available at wvccu.learnbanzai.com.

“Thanks to West Virginia Central FCU, area students will now have access to a wide array of courses and resources designed to help prepare them for our increasingly complex world,” Morgan Vandagriff, co-founder of Banzai, said. “We wouldn’t be able to provide these tools without their support.”

West Virginia Central FCU for three years has worked with Banzai to build financial literacy in the Wood County community by investing time, money, industry experience and credit union resources.

It is now taking a commitment to education a step further. Through its help, students have access to Banzai learning tools, virtual or in-classroom presentations from a West Virginia Central FCU expert and class visits to a branch to see it all in person.

Banzai resources are used by more than 72,000 teachers across the U.S. The educational tools align with West Virginia state curriculum requirements, making the program a fun way for students to gain vital skills and an ideal way for anyone in the community to increase their financial literacy.

After finishing the Banzai courses, users will know how to track where their money is and what it’s for, recognize financial trade-offs and plan for a financially sound future.

Schools with access to Banzai thanks to West Virginia Central FCU’s sponsorship are Fairplain Elementary School, St. Marys Elementary School, Creed Collins Elementary, Warren Middle School, Criss Elementary School, Edison Middle School, Emerson Elementary School, Neale Elementary School, Parkersburg High School and Parkersburg South High School.

Teachers interested in using Banzai can visit wvccu.org. For more information about Banzai, go to teachbanzai.com or call 888-8-BANZAI.