Financial Plus Credit Union and 4-H/MSU Extension Announce Partnership to Expand Financial Literacy

Financial Plus Credit Union is thrilled to announce its partnership with 4-H/MSU Extension, titled GenMoney. The collaboration will expand financial education teachings by providing free curriculum for schools in Michigan.

“We’re giving students a head start on a successful financial future by offering the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to reach their highest potential,” expresses Brad Bergmooser, President and CEO of Financial Plus Credit Union. “Our collaboration with 4-H/MSU Extension meets the next generation’s needs with a personalized education experience that complements schools’ existing coursework.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 5190, a bipartisan law requiring Michigan students to complete a personal finance course as a high school graduation requirement, starting with ninth graders in 2024. The GenMoney initiative will help provide resources for schools to satisfy this requirement. Participating schools will receive turn-key curriculum through Clover by 4-H. Schools will have the ability to choose whether they would like to teach the provided curriculum or request a teacher from 4-H/MSU Extension to instruct the course.

“A priority for the young people involved in Michigan 4-H is to prepare them for the challenges of a complex and changing world. Financial literacy is an essential life skill that will enable the youth in our community to make well informed financial decisions and effectively manage their money throughout their lifetime. This partnership between 4-H/MSU Extension and Financial Plus is valuable because it will provide students with the tools and skills they will need for a healthy financial future,” said Loren Dockins, Urban 4-H Program Coordinator at Michigan State University Extension.

To promote ongoing learning, students will have the opportunity to open a savings account at Financial Plus and will receive an initial $10.00 deposit into their accounts. Financial Plus will also visit participating schools during the coursework to deliver financial literacy presentations and provide access to the “Spartan Dollar and Cents: Realistic Budget Simulation” financial management experience.

For Kristen Klipa, an 8th Grade Academy teacher, financial education is invaluable. She notes, “Financial literacy is an essential life skill that will enable my students to make well informed financial decisions in the future. Partnering with 4-H/MSU Extension for Personal Finance lessons made planning quick and easy. Likewise, partnering with Financial Plus Credit Union for a member account, with $10.00 in each account, for all my students was a fantastic way to celebrate their accomplishment and set them on a path to a healthy financial future.”

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