TYSONS, Va.–PenFed Credit Union and EverFI hosted an interactive learning event focused on improving financial literacy for 11th and 12th grade students at Saint John's School in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The students recently completed the "Tu Dinero, Tu Sueño" ("Your Money, Your Dreams") program, a scalable digital financial education curriculum provided by PenFed through a strategic partnership with EVERFI, an education technology innovator, the credit union said.
"PenFed believes the best way to serve Puerto Rico is to help the next generation realize its financial goals," said PenFed Executive Vice President of Operations Jamie Gayton. "We remain committed to investing in the development of Puerto Rico’s young future leaders and are grateful for the support of EVERFI and Saint John’s School as we promote financial literacy and encourage students to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities."
PenFed and EVERFI have had a strategic partnership for the past three years to bring critical financial education technology at no cost to over 2,200 public and private K-12 school students in 23 schools across Puerto Rico. PenFed said it provides access to EVERFI’s curriculum teaching them how to make smart financial decisions and achieve success in life. The curriculum teaches students about savings and checking, building and maintaining healthy credit, planning for major purchases, investing and retirement and funding higher education.
Community volunteers, including PenFed financial center managers, participated in a "speed networking" activity with 70 students who recently completed the EVERFI financial education curriculum.
During the activity, students had the opportunity to ask PenFed and community volunteers questions as part of small group conversations tying back to the critical skills taught in the curriculum.
The students were joined by Puerto Rico Department of Education Chief Academic Officer Dr. Guillermo Lopez. Junior Achievement of Puerto Rico Chairman of the Board Cristian Hernandez and Executive Director Kaysa Ramos were also in attendance.
Following the activities, PenFed announced two students were awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1,250 in recognition of their work throughout the Tu Dinero, Tu Sueño program. Volunteer advisors also met with the St. John’s School Investment Club students to participate in a series of financial puzzles.
“It was an honor to learn from and recognize the incredibly talented students and teachers at the Saint John’s School. These students will leave high school better prepared to understand the realities of managing their finances and on track for true financial capability," said Ray Martinez, president and co-founder, EVERFI. "PenFed Credit Union and its employees are committed to supporting financial responsibility in all of their communities. Today’s event is a perfect example of how our strategic partnership is building greater financial capability with young learners, helping them establish savings accounts, and providing access to college scholarships. Congratulations to the Saint John’s School and PenFed Credit Union for helping to change the trajectory of a student’s life.”
Since the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017, PenFed said it has invested more than $8 million to open new facilities in Puerto Rico and rebuild the local economy.