PLAINVILLE, Conn. – An “enterprising” American Eagle Financial Credit Union branch manager has presented a program to help educate young people on how to make informed financial decisions.
According to AEFCU, Branch Manager Zaida Molina recently presented 10 financial literacy workshops at the Human Resources Agency of New Britain, the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of New Britain, and the Pathways/Senderos Center.
Using the “Bite of Reality” simulation program, available as a phone-based app, Molina conducted the workshops for groups of youth 14 to 15 years old as well as 16 to 22 years old.
“Financial literacy is foundational and begins the process of giving every young person an equal shot at success. What was interesting was that in speaking with the various leaders of the participating programs, the sentiment was synonymous – wishing that they would have had access to a program such as this in the past,” Molina said in a statement. “At American Eagle FCU we strive to educate and elevate with financial literacy programs that are relatable and relevant – providing the knowledge and resources as people of all ages work toward their financial freedom.”
During these sessions, Molina not only guided the participants through hands-on financial reality exercises using the app but also provided them with sample checks and a check register. This allowed her to demonstrate the bill-paying process, teach how to balance a checkbook and emphasize the crucial concept of "paying yourself" first. In addition, delivered valuable insights on job readiness skills and the importance of signing your name as part of your legal identity.
“The Financial Literacy workshops were outstanding, Zaida and her team did an excellent job engaging the Summer Youth participants,” Leticia Mangual, director, of Employment & Training Services at the HRA of New Britain, said in a statement. “I would also like to discuss having American Eagle come out and do workshops for our year-round program that works with youth 18-24 years old. This was a very successful program and left a positive, and lasting, impact on the participants.”
“This initiative represents a key step in empowering the next generation with essential financial knowledge, and Zaida's dedication and innovation in delivering these classes are extraordinary,” American Eagle FCU President & CEO Howard Brady said in a statement.