Christopher Morris
608-231-4374
cmorris@ncuf.coop
Special event showcases innovative youth financial education experience
Madison, Wis. -- For the second year in a row, the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) will be holding a Financial Reality Fair on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 in conjunction with the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, DC. A Reality Fair is an interactive financial literacy tool for high school students.
The fair will be held on March 21, 2012 from 12:00 – 2:00 P.M. with students from nearby Roosevelt Senior High School expected to attend. GAC attendees can simply show up at the Caucus Room of the Cannon Office Building<http://www.aoc.gov/cc/images/Visiting_Capitol_Map_print_2.jpg> on Capitol Hill to observe the fair.
“We are thrilled to be holding another Reality Fair at GAC because it’s such a great way to expose legislators and their staff about the innovative financial education programs that are offered by America's credit unions,” said Lois Kitsch, NCUF National REAL Solutions Program Director. “And most importantly, we know local high school students will get exposed to a top-notch financial education experience.”
Last year, NCUF held a Reality Fair on Capitol Hill for the first time for H.D. Woodson High School students. Afterwards, David Mauldin, school Vice Principal said, “I think the fair engaged our students in the process of learning more effectively than any field trip I personally have ever seen.” Click here for a video overview of the 2011 NCUF Reality Fair.
The GAC event is sponsored by NCUF with support and expertise from:
- The Credit Union League of Connecticut;
- Maryland & DC Credit Union Association;
- Congressional Federal Credit Union;
- HEW Federal Credit Union; and
- GPO Federal Credit Union.
The Reality Fair concept is a unique opportunity for students to experience some of the financial challenges they will face when they start life on their own. It’s a hands-on experience in which students identify their career choice and starting salaries then complete a budget sheet requiring them to live within their monthly salary while paying for basics such as housing, utilities, transportation, clothing, and food. Additional expenditures such as entertainment and travel are factored in as well. Throughout the fair, there are many temptations for additional spending, and students must learn to balance their wants and needs to live on their own. After the students have visited the various booths covering components of independent living, students balance their budget, and then sit down with a financial counselor for review.
Additional NCUF Highlights at GAC
In addition to the Reality Fair on Wednesday at GAC, NCUF will be celebrating three special award winners on Monday, March 19th at the National Credit Union Foundation Dinner Presenting the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards. Also, NCUF staff will be presenting as part of a breakout session on Tuesday at 3:30-4:45 P.M. entitled “Adding Financial Education & Charitable Work to Your Advocacy Message.”
About the National Credit Union Foundation (ncuf.coop):
The National Credit Union Foundation is the US credit union movement’s primary national philanthropic program provider, fundraiser and grant-maker. Through NCUF grants and programs, credit unions provide widespread financial education, create greater access to affordable financial services, and empower more consumers to save, build assets, and own homes.
NCUF is funded primarily by investments in the award-winning Community Investment Fund (CIF) and by generous Corporate Supporters led by the Credit Union National Association and CUNA Mutual. All NCUF donors provide support that empowers NCUF and state credit union foundations to make financial freedom achievable through credit unions.
The National Credit Union Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. NCUF continues to earn the Better Business Bureau seal of approval as an “Accredited Charity” for meeting all 20 BBB Wise Giving Alliance Standards for national charities.