Travis Credit Union’s Biz Kid$ to teach financial literacy skills to Solano middle and high school students
VACAVILLE, CA - Travis Credit Union, the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce, Solano County Office of Education (SCOE), and the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District have teamed up to develop an exciting Work-Ready Certification (WRC) Program for students in the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District.
The WRC program is designed to validate that students have the entry-level skills, as identified by local business and industry community, which are needed to be successful in the workplace and to be contributing citizens of our community, both locally and globally.
“Work-Ready Certification makes a practical connection between the education and experience students learn in high school and the essential requirements of the world of work,” said Jay Speck, Solano County Superintendent of Schools. “When students are knowledgeable about the skills necessary for success in the workplace, they will have the confidence and knowledge to apply and successfully obtain employment.”
A key component of the Work-Ready Certification is Travis Credit Union’s Biz Kid$, a financial literacy curriculum being rolled out to all middle and high schools in Solano County. Students will learn how to make and manage their money, learn entrepreneurial skills, and how to be successful at financial planning.
“As a stakeholder in our community, Travis Credit Union strives to empower our members and communities with information and knowledge that helps them understand their options, make smart choices, and take charge of their financial lives,” stated Patsy Van Ouwerkerk, president and CEO of Travis Credit Union. “We recognize the importance of financial literacy in helping our students be successful in the workplace, and we are pleased to partner with Solano County of Education to offer the BizKid$ program.”
During the last week of January, a survey was sent to Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce members asking them to rank entry-level skills needed to be successful in the workforce, as defined by a subcommittee of the Chamber. These skills are closely aligned with those identified in numerous articles focusing on preparing students for the 21st century workforce.
“Employer involvement is key to the success of the Work-Ready Certification,” noted Speck. “We look forward to the Work-Ready Certification Program expanding to include additional school districts and chambers, and becoming a best practice throughout Solano County. It is important that our young people know that there may be a successful future for them right here in the Solano County workforce!”
Headquartered in Vacaville, California, Travis Credit Union is a not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution serving those who live or work in Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, Placer, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Napa, Contra Costa, Alameda, Sonoma, Colusa, and Merced Counties. Currently, Travis Credit Union is the 11th largest credit union in California, with more than 178,000 members and over $2.2 billion in assets. As one of the leading financial institutions in Solano, Contra Costa, Yolo, Napa, and Merced Counties, Travis Credit Union’s strength lies in its faithful commitment to its members; its solid, secure history; and its long-standing track record of dedicated service.
For more information about the WRC program, please contact Gillie Miller, Manager, Career Technical Education/Workforce Development for the Solano County Office of Education at gmiller@solancoe.net or (707) 399-4802.