RIVERDALE, Utah–America First Credit Union has launched its second annual FUNDamentals teacher grant competition, where it will be giving away $5,000 in grant awards to K–12 educators who a committed to elevating youth financial literacy.
To apply for one of the 10 $500 grants, K–12 teachers using the financial literacy program FUNDamentals can share a picture of themselves and/or their students using the program and complete a short nomination form.
FUNDamentals is a customizable financial literacy program created for K–12 students and teachers. This free program empowers educators to teach important monetary concepts and offers a customizable program, unlike many one-size-fits-all programming by other providers. The program includes entertaining videos, clever handouts, engaging presentations, and easy-to-read articles, the credit union said.
One of 2021’s grant recipients, West Point Jr. High teacher Kristy Larsen, shared upon receiving the grant, “I love teaching and I love kids. For America First to give me this opportunity to spend money on my students and things they need is awesome. The FUNDamentals program has prepared lesson plans from America First. All I do is log in and download the hour and half lesson plans. It’s a great tool, especially for a teacher who is short on time.”
Nominations for the competition are open through March 31 and winning teachers will be randomly selected no later than April 15. Winners will be honored as part of the credit union’s celebration of Financial Literacy Month in April.
“Our goal is to make financial literacy easily accessible to educators and students,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “All too often, teachers lack access to free and customizable programs. Our FUNDamentals program takes that challenge away, and this competition rewards teachers for rising to the occasion.”
At right, America First Credit Union VP of Public Relations & Government Relations Nicole Cypers surprises teacher Kristy Larsen at West Point Jr. High with grant.