"Investing in Our Youth" is the motto of the CP Federal Credit Union Youth Program. It is our goal to provide real life financial experiences and information to the youth in our community in order to nurture financially productive adults.
Program Objectives
- To create a new generation of savers by showing the importance of setting realistic savings goals
- To increase the youth's knowledge of the different types of services available at a credit union (ie. savings accounts, checking accounts, loan and credit information)
- To provide a supplement to current math, computer, and social skills through experiences learned while working as a volunteer in the student credit union branch
- To create an educational environment in which young people will have hands on experience in a financial setting
Program Benefit
- Encourages good saving habits at an early age, helps to promote financial responsibility in adulthood, and develops confidence where money management decisions are concerned
Program Services
- Student operated credit union branches in numerous area schools
- Age appropriate savings programs and products for youth members
- Classroom presentations in schools regarding money management
- Educational tours of the CP Federal Credit Union main office focusing on careers in a financial institution
- Participation in school sponsored career days and job fairs
Raising Money-Savvy Kids
Struggling for economic prosperity is difficult for everyone. Its especially hard for young people who've never learned how to plan to achieve financial security.
What we need today, confirmed by poor financial literacy test scores from across the country, is leadership to help raise the awareness of financial issues for young people.
Americas credit unions are shining the spotlight on how young people earn, spend, save, and manage their own money and how America's credit unions help them do so wisely during National Credit Union Youth Week. The celebration takes place during the Jump$tart Coalitions Financial Literacy for Youth Month.
The staff and members of credit unions are ideally positioned to respond because of their belief in the power of education--put to practical use--to improve the lives of their neighbors and their communities.
As a parent, there are several things you can do right now to help your kids get on the right financial path. Here are some tips from the Credit Union National Association:
Younger than age 5
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Use coin savers to help children learn how to identify coins and count money.
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Introduce the concept of money by giving children small change to spend occasionally when you go to the store. Limit options to save time and reduce conflict.
Ages 5 to 10
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Give a weekly allowance to offer hands-on money management experience. Because children know they'll regularly get a set amount of money, this makes it easier to learn how to save.
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Let children save for, and buy, something they really want. Rewards reinforce young children’s savings habits, so tie saving to spending.
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Use three containers labeled Spend, Save, and Share. Suggest that children contribute a portion of their allowance, and cash gifts, to each, to teach them how to spend wisely, save regularly, and give to others.
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When the save container builds up, take children to the credit union to open a savings account.
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Provide children with opportunities to earn extra money by doing jobs not included in their regular responsibilities.
Ages 11 to 14
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Include children on shopping trips to teach them what things cost and smart shopping techniques. Let them help compare product qualities, prices, return policies, and warranties.
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Encourage odd jobs: babysitting, yard work, or pet care.
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Encourage children to use their own money to buy beyond-the-basics clothing and accessories.
Ages 15 to 18 and older
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Discuss saving plans for long-term goals, such as education and cars.
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Consider giving teens a seasonal clothing allowance beyond their regular allowance. After setting guidelines and limits, let them make their own choices.
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Consider helping financially responsible teens open a share draft/checking account.
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Consider encouraging financially responsible older teens to use a debit card with their share draft/checking accounts.
Participating Elementary Schools
Arnold Elementary
Bean Elementary
Bennett Elementary
Brooklyn Elementary
Cascades Elementary
Dansville
The da Vinci Institute
Frost Elementary
George Long Elementary
Hanover Horton Elementary
Hunt Elementary
Jackson Christian Elementary
Keicher Elementary
McCulloch Academy of Technology & Science
Miller Elementary
Northeast Elementary
Northwest Elementary
Paragon Charter
Parma Elementary
Sharp Park Elementary
Springport Elementary
Warner Elementary
Participating Middle Schools
Columbia Middle School
The da Vinci Institute
Dansville Middle School
Grass Lake Middle School
Hanover Horton Middle School
Jackson Christian Middle School
Northwest Kidder Middle School
Paragon Charter
Middle School at Parkside
Springport Middle School
Western Middle School
Participating High Schools
Ackerson Lake Comm. High School
Columbia High School
Columbia Options High School
The da Vinci Institute
East Jackson High School
Grass Lake High School
Hanover Horton High School
Jackson Area Career Center
Jackson High School
Michigan Center
Northwest Adult Alternative & Community Education
Northwest High School
Springport High School
T.A. Wilson
Western High School
