June 5, 2025 - When it comes to setting up the next generation for success, financial education should be part of the conversation. Teaching our youth how to manage money gives them a head start on building healthy habits that last a lifetime. Financial education creates a ripple effect, from students and their families, to the entire community. That ripple begins with our 8th-grade financial education classes.
In partnership with Glendale Elementary School District and the City of Glendale, we brought financial education to every 8th grader in the City of Glendale for the 2025 school year. This program aims to teach students about things like saving, budgeting, understanding credit, and fraud prevention. Our Community Impact Team brings these lessons to life by visiting local classrooms, leading hands-on activities, and creating a space where students feel comfortable asking questions and learning real-world skills.
“We want to empower our youth to be proactive in their financial futures, and it starts with education”, says Roxanna Garcia, Community Impact Specialist.
By starting early, we're helping young people build a strong financial foundation that will serve them for years to come. One of the ways we make financial education even more impactful is by offering a cash bonus as an incentive for students who complete the program. Upon completion, students receive $50 from the City of Glendale, and a $25 offer from the credit union. This reward isn’t just exciting, it’s a practical way for students to apply what they’ve learned. Whether they choose to save it, spend it wisely, or donate a portion, the cash bonus gives them a real-life opportunity to practice money management. It also adds an extra layer of motivation and engagement, making the experience both fun and meaningful.
Maria Brunner, Community Impact Manager says, “The best thing is that we do a soft credit pull for the parent or guardian that is with [the student] when they open the account and that’s really when we help the family to achieve their financial goals. We have professionals who are going to sit with them and go over their finances.”
For many students, it’s their first step toward financial independence and a moment their whole family will remember. By pairing education with a real financial reward, we’re not only reinforcing key money lessons, but we’re showing students in low-income areas that smart financial choices can lead to real benefits. It’s a small investment that makes a big impact, helping students feel seen, supported, and excited about their financial futures. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the bonus, it’s about building confidence and habits that last a lifetime.
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