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June is officially here, marking the last month of classes for high schools across the state. Summer vacation has arrived and thanks to Maine’s credit unions, 7,726 students ended the 2018/19 school year with personal finance experience, having participated in one of the many fairs held across the state. This brings the tally to nearly 61,000 participating students since the inception of our Financial Fitness Fairs in 2004!
Each of the Financial Fitness Fairs is a half-day event that targets high school juniors and seniors, and is similar to the game of “Life,” where participating students are given a career and monthly income. They then have to visit booths associated with various expenses that the average adult is faced with each month. After filling in a monthly budget form, the goal is for students to have a monthly budget that does not exceed their monthly income.
“Our fairs provide great insight into what the students’ lives will look like in just a few years,” said Jake Holmes, Financial Literacy Outreach Coordinator for the Maine Credit Union League. “They get to experience what it’s like to pay for their education, transportation, housing, clothing, food, and more – all without actually having to put a dent in their wallet. It’s both fun and informative, and I feel privileged to be a part of it.”
For nearly 15 years, the Financial Fitness Fairs have been making a significant impact on participating students and the League is confident that trend will continue in the years to come. In addition to first-time school visits, the League will be introducing a new Financial Fitness Fair logo this fall, which will complement the new Ending Hunger logo. Although there will be a new logo, credit unions may continue to use any old signage and materials until they run out.
For more information about financial education initiatives offered and coordinated by the League and Maine’s credit unions, or to inquire about scheduling a fair for the 2019/20 school year, contact Jake Holmes.