Financial Education

Award-winning, impactful, and focused on all ages

Maine credit unions have a long history of providing financial education. Between volunteering to teach youth financial education in schools and hosting Financial Fitness Fairs, credit unions across the state collectively expose nearly 20,000 Maine students to financial literacy and money management concepts each year. Maine credit unions also provide financial education to our state’s adult population––whether it be older adults, New Mainers, food pantry clients, or other groups. Maine credit unions recognize the the importance of equipping people with the knowledge and skills they need to help them manage their money effectively. People Helping People.

CUNA created the Desjardins program to recognize leadership within the credit union movement on behalf of financial literacy for all ages. Naming the award after Alphonse Desjardins emphasizes the movement’s longtime commitment to youth. Besides founding the first credit unions in Canada and the U.S., Desjardins pioneered youth savings clubs and in-school “banks,” known as caisses scolaires. This award considers all activities supporting the personal finance education of members and non-members, including, but not limited to, face-to-face teaching using proprietary materials and curricula, as well as
financial literacy leadership efforts. In recognition of Maine credit unions’ efforts, the Maine Credit Union League has been a consistent winner of the National Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award.