FARMINGTON, Utah– As part of its commitment to empowering youth within its communities, America First Credit Union said it is investing $30,000 in total to two Utah school districts. Weber School Foundation and Davis Education Foundation are beneficiaries of a $15,000 donation from the not-for-profit credit union.
“Weber School Foundation is so lucky to have such an amazing partnership with America First Credit Union,” said Emily Vause Oyler, executive director Weber School Foundation. “This very generous donation will help fund classroom grants, school grants, field trips, student sponsorships and support programs like The Leader in Me and Hope Squads. We would not be able to accomplish all we do without the generous contributions of community members like America First Credit Union. Thank you for consistently stepping up for the 33,000 students in Weber School District.”
The donation was made as part of an effort to help youth 17 and younger begin their financial journey by opening a savings account. in December 2021, when a student from Weber School District or Davis County School District opened a new savings account the Utah-based credit union matched their deposit up to $15,000 as a contribution to their school district. In addition to their school donation, the credit union matched the youth’s savings dollar for dollar up to $50.
According to America First Credit Union financial experts, opening a youth savings account can help teach youth about setting goals, teaching financial literacy basics, responsibility, and the value of investing.
“From an early age children start to develop emotional reactions to spending and saving money which could translate into real-life spending behavior later in life,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First. “We want to support and aid the next generation by getting them on the right financial track early. One way we can do that is by helping them jumpstart their savings from a young age and helping to provide them with a great education.”