American Eagle hosts financial literacy program for youth groups
‘Bite of Reality’ simulation app shows students the impact that smart financial decisions can make in their lives
PLAINVILLE, CT (August 8, 2024) — Take one part technology with two parts of dedication and creativity, and you have the recipe that an enterprising American Eagle Financial Credit Union (American Eagle FCU) branch manager created to educate young people on how to make informed financial decisions.
Zaida Molina, the manager of American Eagle FCU’s Plainville branch, recently presented 10 financial literacy workshops at the Human Resources Agency of New Britain, the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of New Britain and the Pathways/Senderos Center. Using the “Bite of Reality” simulation program, available as a phone-based app, Molina conducted the workshops for groups of youth 14 to 15 years old as well as 16 to 22 years old.
“Financial literacy is foundational and begins the process of giving every young person an equal shot at success. What was interesting was that in speaking with the various leaders of the participating programs, the sentiment was synonymous – wishing that they would have had access to a program such as this in the past,” Molina explained.
“At American Eagle FCU we strive to educate and elevate with financial literacy programs that are relatable and relevant – providing the knowledge and resources as people of all ages work toward their financial freedom.”
During these sessions, Zaida not only guided the participants through hands-on financial reality exercises using the app but also provided them with sample checks and a check register. This allowed her to demonstrate the bill-paying process, teach how to balance a checkbook and emphasize the crucial concept of “paying yourself” first. In addition, delivered valuable insights on job readiness skills and the importance of signing your name as part of your legal identity.
“The Financial Literacy workshops were outstanding, Zaida and her team did an excellent job engaging the Summer Youth participants,” said Leticia Mangual, Director, of Employment & Training Services at the HRA of New Britain. “I would also like to discuss having American Eagle come out and do workshops for our year-round program that works with youth 18-24 years old. This was a very successful program and left a positive, and lasting, impact on the participants.”
“Coming from an educator, Zaida’s presentation was relatable for our Brown and Black youth,” said Paulette Fox, Executive Director of OIC in New Britain. “Her energy and passion were obvious. She has been essential to our process as we continue to roll out Financial Literacy programs to Brown and Black youth.”
“This initiative represents a key step in empowering the next generation with essential financial knowledge, and Zaida’s dedication and innovation in delivering these classes are extraordinary,” said American Eagle FCU President & CEO Howard Brady.
American Eagle FCU’s mission “to enrich the lives of our members and communities to create a world where financial freedom is a reality” doesn’t begin and end in their branches, it extends into their communities.
“Our students enjoyed Mrs. Molina and the financial literacy presentation very much,” said Lori Cuyler, Summer Youth Employment Coordinator at the Pathways/Senderos Center. “ The Bite of Reality App engaged our students and was beneficial for the development of their financial literacy. Our students are better prepared as they manage their paychecks from the summer youth employment program.”
Pictured: Zaida Molina, Plainville Branch Manager, American Eagle FCU and youth from the Pathways/Senderos Center’s summer youth employment program.
About American Eagle Financial Credit Union (AEFCU)
Established in 1935, American Eagle Financial Credit Union (AEFCU) is a full service credit union offering checking and savings accounts, credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, business accounts and more. American Eagle offers banking online, through its mobile app, or at one of its 14 branches located in Connecticut. AEFCU has more than 180,000 members, over $2.5 billion in assets, and offers banking services to anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Hartford, Middlesex, Tolland, and New Haven County in Connecticut, and Hampden County in Massachusetts. For more information about American Eagle Financial Credit Union, visit www.americaneagle.org.
