Credit union brings finance education

Lake County Educational FCU sponsoring free access to Banzai online program

Lake County Educational Federal Credit Union announced it is bringing financial literacy education to over 2,960 students in Lake County.

Students at 11 schools have free access to Banzai, an award-winning online program and content library that allows users to practice real-world finance from the safety of their home or classroom using any internet-enabled device, according to a news release.

“At a time when a solid foundation of practical financial knowledge is critical, these resources will make a huge impact on users,” the credit union stated in the release. All of these resources are available to students at home or in the classroom via any device that can access the Internet.

“Banzai is a web-based financial literacy program. Kids get their own accounts, and they work through assignments that are based on real life,” Morgan Vandagriff, co-founder of Banzai, stated in the release. “But because Lake County Educational FCU is sponsoring it, local schools get it for free.

“More than ever, it’s important that kids develop sound financial skills to prepare them for the real world, and Lake County Educational FCU realizes that and they’re doing something about it.”

Banzai content builds a foundation of practical knowledge and gives students the tools to create a sound financial future. While students learn, teachers can easily monitor and grade their progress remotely.

After finishing Banzai, students will know how to track where their money is and what it’s for, recognize financial trade-offs, build a budget, and more.

The courses align with Ohio’s state curriculum requirements, making the program a way for students to gain vital financial literacy skills, the release stated.

The Banzai resources are available at lakecountyedufcu.teachbanzai.com.

Beyond the Banzai library, Lake County Educational FCU also offers virtual or in- classroom presentations from local experts on timely topics.

“Banzai is a web-based financial literacy program. Kids get their own accounts, and they work through assignments that are based on real life.” — Morgan Vandagriff, co-founder of Banzai