Students at Lincoln and Mountain View middle schools have free access to Banzai, an online program that allows them to practice real-world financial management, thanks to Nusenda Credit Union.
According to a Nusenda news release, the credit union is providing access to the award-winning financial-literacy program and content library to over 2,660 students and New Mexicans representing 30 schools and their surrounding communities.
“I have used this program for a few years, and it always engages students and makes them think,” said educator Tracy Galligan at Taos High School.
Through the Banzai online courses, students try managing a budget, saving for a goal and dealing with unexpected financial pitfalls. Teachers are able to monitor and grade student progress remotely.
Other resources, including articles, calculators and personalizable Coach sessions, explain topics from the basics of filing taxes to how health insurance works. These resources are available at nusenda.teachbanzai.com/wellness.
“Thanks to Nusenda Credit Union, area students will now have access to a wide array of courses and resources designed to help prepare them for our increasingly complex world,” said Morgan Vandagriff, co-founder of Banzai. “We wouldn’t be able to provide these tools without their support.”
Nusenda is also offering participating schools virtual or in-classroom presentations from one of its experts and class visits to a branch.
Banzai educational tools align with New Mexico’s state curriculum requirements. They’re appropriate for students and anyone in the community, according to the release. After finishing the Banzai courses, users will know how to track their money, recognize financial trade-offs and plan for a financially sound future.
Teachers interested in using Banzai can visit nusenda.teachbanzai.com or call 888-8-BANZAI.
