GLCU in the Schools for Q1

Monday, April 4, 2011

Focus on Youth Financial Education at Great Lakes Credit Union

The first quarter of 2011 was a busy time for staff at Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) in classrooms throughout Lake County.  Hundreds of students have been educated on various aspects of personal finance through GLCU’s volunteer efforts.

A signature program for the Credit Union in local high schools is Mad City Money.  Mad City is a place where students are given an occupation, a salary, a spouse and family, and debt. Students travel from vendor to vendor using their debit card for purchase decisions they must make on a home, automobiles, daycare for their child, food, and even “fun stuff”. This real life experience teaches them valuable financial lessons about what the world as an adult has in store when it comes to keeping within a budget.
The Mad City Money program, along with in-class programs on the basics of checking and savings have already been conducted this year at Warren Township High School, Grayslake Central High School and Carmel Catholic High School.

“The Mad City Money simulation was a great success for our students,” said Michelle Titterton, head of the Business Education Department at Carmel.  “GLCU staff really get into the role playing with the students and it helped “sell” the activity.  Students were totally engaged!” 

GLCU staff also volunteered their time at a recent Career Fair at North Chicago Community High School speaking to career education and job opportunities in financial services.  In addition, GLCU employees acted as prospective employers during Vernon Hills High School’s annual “Real Life Interviews” program which gives students experience with interviewing with actual businessmen and women.

Lastly, GLCU volunteers helped staff a series of financial aid workshops throughout Lake County where parents and students could come for help in completing their FAFSA forms for college financial aid and learn about resources pertaining to saving for and funding a college education.
Financial education programs for the second quarter of 2011 are already scheduled for students at Barrington High School, Libertyville High School, Waukegan High School and Jack Benny Middle School.