PHOENIX (October 3, 2022)—OneAZ Credit Union is pleased to announce they are sponsoring the Banzai program in five schools this fall. Banzai is an online financial simulation for elementary, middle and high school students that teaches them real-world finances.
Teachers use the program in their financial education or business classes. OneAZ will be sponsoring American Leadership Academy in Queen Creek, Williamsfield High School in Gilbert, Westmec Deer Valley High School, Great Hearts Academy of Anthem, and Graham County School District in Northern Arizona.
“This is an exciting opportunity to deliver critical financial education resources to Arizona students,” said Kim Reedy, President & CEO of OneAz Credit Union. “OneAZ is committed to ensuring that Arizona students and teachers have the resources to build a foundation for a strong financial future.”
Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee appointed Arizona’s first ever Task Force on Financial Literacy and passed laws requiring the state's K-12 academic standards to include financial literacy and established a seal of financial literacy on diplomas that may be earned by graduating high school seniors.
“Financial education is essential to families in Arizona. As members of the financial community, it is crucial that we do our part to provide initiatives for Arizonans to attain basic money management skills,” said Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee. “I commend OneAZ for their sponsorship of financial literacy programs such as this in Arizona schools, which will help set our younger generations up for success. When citizens are responsible with their money, it positively benefits the overall economy of our entire state.”
A few statistics indicate why financial literacy in schools is needed:
- Outstanding student loan debt stands at $1.6 trillion, up from $1.52 trillion the previous year
- Only 41% of adults in the United States have a budget and keep track of their spending.
- Of millennials ages 18-34, one in eight have debts in collections.
- 39% of millennial women do not pay their bills on time and are twice as likely than millennial men to take out a high interest loan to cover a $2,000 emergency.
- A record 7 million Americans are three months behind in their car payments.
About OneAZ Credit Union
OneAZ Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution serving 160,000 members with 20 branch locations across Arizona. As a credit union with over $3.0 billion in assets, OneAZ is owned by its members, who benefit from better rates, lower fees for service and improved technology. Since 1951, OneAZ has strived to help Arizonans meet their financial needs through a full suite of personal and business banking solutions. OneAZ’s mission is to truly improve the lives of its members, its associates, and the communities it serves. Insured by NCUA.
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