The Credit Union National Association (CUNA) acknowledges Mid Oregon Credit Union’s work educating high school students about budgeting and money management. The effort of our local “Bite of Reality” experience has been recognized with a national financial literacy award.
Youth and Adult Financial Education Award
Mid Oregon has been recognized by the Credit Union National Association in the northwest region with an Alphonse Desjardins Youth and Adult Financial Education Award. Mid Oregon’s Bite of Reality program received accolades for teaching high school students about budgeting and money management.
Financial Simulation Using App
The Bite of Reality program app guides students through a day in the life simulation of an adult’s financial responsibilities. Each student receives an occupation, income, partner, child, and possible debt using an app. The student purchases necessities, including rent/mortgage, car payment, groceries, and lifestyle items. They also navigate financial setbacks, such as medical emergencies, surprise bills, and cash windfalls.
Last year, Mid Oregon Credit Union hosted three Bite of Reality events attended by 120 students from Central Oregon schools. The credit union also regularly presents free financial workshops for adults.
In 2020, before COVID-19 changed the education landscape, Mid Oregon presented four additional simulations in three Central Oregon high schools. Three more on the schedule were cancelled. A new virtual version has recently been made available, and should allow the progress to continue.
Virtual Awards Celebration
Mid Oregon Credit Union’s team members (Kyle Frick, Jodie Rogers, Tiffany Dyer – in the photo,
and Wayne Hanson) who worked on the Bite of Reality program
On December 2, eight credit unions from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington will receive regional CUNA awards at the Northwest Credit Union Association’s virtual awards celebration. For additional details, visit this link.
“We are honored to be recognized by CUNA in our region. It’s rewarding to see our community efforts with financial literacy, especially those focused on younger generations, achieve recognition. We look forward to expanding this program to more schools in the future,” says Kyle Frick, VP of Marketing for Mid Oregon Credit Union.
About CUNA
The Credit Union National Association is a national trade association for both state and federally chartered credit unions located in the United States. CUNA provides member credit unions with trade association services, such as lobbying, regulatory advocacy, professional development, and professional services management. For more information, visit cuna.org.
About NWCUA
Northwest Credit Union Association is the trade association representing more than 175 credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, with associate members in Alaska and Hawaii. Their support helps northwest credit unions of all sizes thrive for their 7.3 million members. For more information, visit nwcua.org.