Ontario workshop attracts teachers, Credit Union professionals

Press release from California Credit Union League

More than 60 teachers, financial planners, and credit union professionals from throughout California recently learned how to offer financial literacy education to young people at a one-day seminar held at the California Credit Union League's headquarters in Ontario. The seminar was sponsored by the California and Nevada Youth Involvement Network (CNYIN), which works to increase the financial literacy of youth in California and Nevada through classroom presentations and other means.

Participants included teachers from San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura counties. The May 6 "Train-the-Trainer" Roundtable was open to teachers who currently use or would like to use the National Endowment for Financial Education's (NEFE) High School Financial Planning Program (HSFPP), as well as CNYIN members and CPAs.

Guest speakers offered presentations on HSFPP materials and teaching techniques to keep young adults engaged and motivated.

As part of the hands-on learning experience, attendees put their new knowledge into action by giving their own classroom presentations and participating in group networking sessions. Each person received a NEFE HSFPP instructor's manual, student manual, and introductory program package.

"It was a wonderful presentation which provided participants with many beneficial resources and suggestions much-needed for students of all ages. It was enjoyable to meet with others who also see the importance and know the benefits of people becoming financially literate," said Shari Stevens, M.Ed., M.S., of San Dimas. She is a special education teacher who recently has been employed with the Claremont Unified School District.

"The training was great," said Joe Hernandez, Vice President of Financial Education at Arrowhead Credit Union in San Bernardino. "It took away the fear of using a curriculum that I have not seen demonstrated. Now, I'm ready to go."

"The National Endowment for Financial Education has created an outstanding curriculum which is not only informative but easy to comprehend and entertaining to present," said Kimberly Bianco, public and media relations manager at California Coast Credit Union in San Diego.

"Understanding basic finances and budgeting should be a must for every young adult preparing to leave the nest. I'm very excited to be able to teach these life lessons to this next generation." The California Credit Union League is a trade association serving more than 350 credit unions in California and Nevada. For more information on CNYIN, contact Catherine Arra at 800.472.1702, ext. 6025, orcatherinea@ccul.org.