VACU Offers Financial Education to Mayor’s Youth Academy

The Virginia Credit Union financial education team participated with the City of Richmond’s Mayor’s Youth Academy to offer financial education to high school youth this summer.

Over six weeks, more than 100 youth learned about banking, budgeting, credit, owning a car, avoiding scams and wealth building. Each weekly session had between 40 and 45 participants.

VACU’s educators used the online game Kahoot! to close each session and reinforce the key points with a competitive, game-show atmosphere. Each week’s game winner received a $20 gift card.

Due to concerns about COVID-19, this year the Mayor’s Youth Academy was held virtually, but that did not prevent the program from making an impact. Students gave high marks especially to the practical education sessions. “I looked forward to financial literacy training the most,” said one participant. Another noted the “Financial literacy sessions stood out and should be rated highest.”

According to Lerone Joseph, program manager for the Mayor’s Youth Academy, the Academy’s young adult counselors also raved about the literacy sessions and recommended asking Virginia Credit Union back in the future.

Launched in 2010, the Mayor's Youth Academy provides development opportunities to youth throughout the city of Richmond. The program offers job readiness training, leadership development, exposure to entrepreneurship, mentoring, and post-secondary career exploration. The program aims to develop Richmond's future workforce into determined, successful citizens who will one day become our city's leaders.

A financial cooperative serving more than 300,000 members, Virginia Credit Union offers a variety of affordable banking services, loans, mortgages, and free financial education resources, with a focus on helping people feel more confident about their finances. Virginia Credit Union is an equal housing opportunity lender and is federally insured by NCUA.