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With April right around the corner, credit unions across Maine are gearing up for one of the most meaningful outreach periods of the year. The month brings together Credit Union Youth Month and National Financial Capability Month, creating the perfect opportunity to help young people start building strong financial habits that can last a lifetime.
This year’s Credit Union Youth Month theme, “Ready, Set, Save!,” highlights the importance of teaching children the value of saving and making smart financial decisions. By introducing these lessons early, credit unions can help lay the foundation for lifelong financial confidence and success.
To support these initiatives, the Maine Credit Union League has developed a variety of materials credit unions can use throughout the month. Available resources include social media graphics, turnkey messaging, and kid-friendly activities such as a coloring page, crossword puzzle, and a word search. All are designed to make financial learning engaging for younger audiences. These resources can be accessed through the League’s Education Resources page. Credit unions also are encouraged to use the hashtag #CUYouthMonth to highlight the collective impact of their outreach efforts.
In addition to sharing Youth Month materials, credit unions are encouraged to partner with local schools to host Financial Fitness Fairs or present lessons from the Maine Credit Unions’ Financial Education Curriculum. The curriculum offers age-appropriate lesson plans for elementary and middle school students, along with a more advanced option for high school audiences. These ready-to-use resources make financial concepts easier to understand while keeping students actively engaged.
“Financial education is an empowering, rewarding investment in the next generation,” said Jake Holmes, the League’s Director of Outreach & Strategic Planning. “When we introduce these financial concepts in a fun and approachable way, our outreach is more effective. Credit Union Youth Month is the perfect opportunity to have some fun—all while giving young people the confidence to talk about saving, spending, and planning for the future.”
By working together to bring financial education into classrooms and communities, credit unions can help equip the next generation with the tools they need for financial success. Credit unions interested in participating in Credit Union Youth Month, hosting a Financial Fitness Fair, or learning more about the Maine Credit Unions curriculum can contact Holmes at jholmes@mainecul.org for more information.