Educator Feedback

"Implementing the program was seamless with my current curriculum.
The modules are free-standing."

"The students came away from the program with a much greater understanding of a real person’s salary, and how they would have to divide their income for expenses in order to live on their own."

"Working with our local credit union was great! They visited our school, trained us on the program and even introduced us to local business leaders."

Student Praise

"When my parents say they don’t have the money, now I know what they’re going through."

"Save if you want something because it goes out faster than it comes in.
I loved the Wheel of Reality. I learned that unplanned expenses can really hurt your budget."

"The real world is hard!"

Endorsements

  • NAFCU President and CEO Fred Becker
  • DCUC President and CEO Roland 'Arty' Arteaga
  • N.H. Credit Union/Banking Commissioner Peter C. Hildreth
  • Participating credit unions and others


Current News
CU 4 Reality Beyond The Classroom

On August 12, 2010 America's Credit Union Museum partnered with the State of New Hampshire's Division of Children, Youth, and Families and the University of New Hampshire's Center for Professional Excellence in Child Welfare in conducting the Sixth Annual DCYF Teen Conference. The Museum sponsored and organized a CU 4 Reality™ Financial Education Fair for over 150 New Hampshire youth from around the state who converged at the New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord, NH for the event.

The CU 4 Reality™ Financial Education Fair was part of a full day conference that included workshops and activities addressing the needs of older adolescents who are on the verge of making the transition from out-of-home care to becoming independent young adults. The Fair contributed significantly to this effort by giving youth a practical and realistic opportunity to learn about and practice personal financial management skills they will need now and in the future.

Many New Hampshire credit unions and businesses provided up to 45 representatives who took time during the middle of the day to interact directly with the teens at the fair by helping them to make wise spending decisions. Credit Unions represented were New Hampshire Federal Credit Union, Triangle Credit Union, Bellwether Community Credit Union, Woodlands Credit Union, St. Mary's Bank, and Service Credit Union. Other organizations and businesses included, The New Hampshire Banking Department, New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation, Comcast, AT&T, Concord Family YMCA, New Hampshire Animal Rescue League, Unitil, New Hampshire Society of CPA, along with some public school teachers.


Museum Expands CU 4 Reality™ Financial Education Program Offerings

America's Credit Union Museum is excited to announce the expansion of the CU 4 Reality™ Financial Education Program. In addition to the existing program which is now available for middle schools and high schools prepared to adapt it, the CU 4 Reality™ Financial Education Program has two new grade level versions, the CU 4 Reality™ Financial Education Program for Elementary School and the CU 4 Reality™ Financial Education Program for High School.

Recognizing the growing demand from educators and credit unions for developmentally appropriate renditions of the popular program for students in grades 4-6 and one specifically for high school aged students prompted the museum to begin preparation of these curricula during the Fall of 2009. Volunteer readers from credit unions, schools, and among investment professionals reviewed the first draft and provided input used to help the Museum prepare the curriculum as a pilot to be used by credit unions and schools for the 2010-2011 academic year.

The CU 4 Reality™ Financial Education Program for High School builds upon the middle school program by presenting more sophisticated material designed to prepare the teen aged student for financially independent living. A robust Personal Career Development component forms the foundation on which sections in Savings, Budgeting, and Tax Management; Investing and Retirement Planning; Credit Cards and Consumer Loans; and Risk Management and Insurance Policies are based. Credit unions will now have a user friendly and direct way to provide financial education to the adolescents of their communities.

To learn more about the CU 4 Reality Financial Education Program please go to www.cu4reality.org >


Business Vendor Support
Thanks to our vendors who support CU 4 Reality Program