Making financial education accessible and engaging one student at a time

At a time when money conversations are often hushed or overlooked within households, the Maine Credit Union League is stepping up to make these discussions fun and accessible. As Jake Holmes, the League's director of outreach and strategic planning, puts it, "Talking about money has, for some odd reason, long been taboo."

By tackling this issue head-on, the League is not only empowering youth but supporting credit unions in creating environments where families can openly discuss and learn about money.

Financial Fitness Fairs: Hands-on learning

The cornerstone of the League's educational efforts is interactive Financial Fitness Fairs. These events immerse school-age students in real-life financial decision-making by having them choose from a list of jobs and receive an entry-level income tailored to each position that reflects Maine's standards. The experience is designed to teach practical budgeting skills through hands-on simulation, Holmes explained.

After the students choose from a list of potential jobs, they are encouraged to select a career they're genuinely interested in. With their "income" in hand, students then visit a series of booths set up in a large room, each representing different spending categories like transportation, meals, and entertainment.

At each booth, the students are faced with choices that force them to make budgeting decisions. They might initially be drawn to a flashy option like a sports car at the transportation booth, but as they progress through the simulation, they discover that even with strict budgeting-such as cutting back on their meal plans-they might still fall short of managing their income if they don't make thoughtful choices. Holmes said this process might prompt them to reconsider their vehicle decision and opt for a more affordable option, such as a used Honda Civic, underscoring the real-world impact of budgeting.

This hands-on experience not only teaches students the fundamentals of managing a budget but also mirrors the financial challenges that families face, helping to break the long-standing taboo around discussing money at home, Holmes said.

More than 80,000 students have taken part in these fairs, which are facilitated at local schools by credit unions across the state.

School curriculum and turnkey lesson plans

Understanding that early education is key, the League has developed turnkey lesson plans that are easily integrated into school curriculums.

"Financial education is not a required class for Maine students graduating," Holmes said. "There's a component that's required within social studies, but there's no standalone course required."

These grade-specific programs range from fun, interactive activities for kindergarteners—like counting money and solving puzzles—to more complex lessons for high school students on budgeting and scam avoidance. The "grab-and-go" nature of these printed materials allows credit union volunteers to deliver one-hour, scripted sessions in classrooms while still leaving room for personalization.

By providing tangible, easy-to-use materials, the League not only supplements academic learning but also helps parents continue the conversation at home.

Branch engagement and youth account incentives

Beyond fairs and classrooms, the League actively promotes financial literacy within credit union branches. Here, young members are introduced to youth accounts and "money bucks" incentives-reward systems that encourage smart saving and spending. This real-life experience in the branch not only familiarizes young people with the credit union environment but also strengthens family bonds through shared financial learning.

Holmes recalls a striking impact from these initiatives: "I remember we had a 12% increase in credit union membership for those under the age of 18 in 2016, my first year working with the League."

This direct boost in membership underscores how engaging branch activities can build trust and deepen relationships, transforming how entire families interact with their credit unions.

Credit Union Youth Month and free educational materials

Every April during Credit Union Youth Month-which runs in tandem with National Financial Capability Month—the League rolls out its annual promotional campaign. This year's initiative, "A Sea of Savings," offers a suite of free promotional materials to credit unions, including social media graphics, sample messaging, coloring pages, crossword puzzles, and word searches designed to capture the attention of younger audiences. These tools are aimed at making financial conversations less intimidating and more engaging for families.

"We really wanted to offer Credit Union Youth Month materials that are fun and engaging," Holmes said. "If any credit union wants to use these materials in their efforts through April and even beyond, we highly encourage them to do so."

Community-wide impact and future vision

The Maine Credit Union League's comprehensive approach is yielding community-wide benefits. By making financial education accessible and engaging, the League is empowering not just students but entire families—helping them to break free from the long-held silence around money discussions.

"I feel like when you don't talk about money, you let money have power over you," Holmes said. "And when you're talking about money and confident talking about money and dealing with it, we have the power."

These initiatives are paving the way for a financially confident future, where credit unions serve as active community hubs for learning and engagement. The League's model offers a proven, dynamic strategy to boost membership and foster a culture of open, practical financial literacy that benefits everyone.

"We wanted to make it as easy as possible for Maine credit unions to say yes to any promotional opportunities," Holmes said. "We're trying to flip the script here and develop a sound foundation of financial prowess for all these kids to succeed, and it's just the right thing to do."