April 24, 2007  As credit unions across Maine celebrate the sixth annual Maine Credit Union Youth Week, occurring from April 22-28, 2007, students and their parents are being provided with a variety of unique and exciting opportunities to learn about the importance of financial literacy.
Maine has become one of the leading states in the nation in promoting the integration of financial education into the curriculum at many Maine schools, thanks to events such as Credit Union Youth Week and Financial Fitness Money Management Experiences that are taking place around the state.
The Maine Credit Union League is working in partnership with the Maine Council on Economic Education to assist Maine's Credit Unions in promoting this week as a fun and educational way to reach out to Maine's youth. The League is a major contributor to the Council's financial education efforts in schools around Maine. During this week, Maine credit unions are distributing materials on financial literacy, hosting activities and events designed to promote awareness about the need for youth financial education, and encouraging children to save through programs such as the fifth annual Youth Savings Challenge.
In the past few years, more than 45 Maine credit unions have been proactive in local schools in helping to promote youth financial education and money management skills. In 2006, more than 8,000 Maine students received learning directly and indirectly about personal finance and money management as a result of the efforts and support of Maine's credit unions.
For its leadership in youth financial literacy, the Maine Credit Union League recently received a prestigious Desjardins Award for Youth Financial Education from the Credit Union National Association in 2006, making the Maine CU League the only five-time recipient of the award.
John Murphy, President of the Maine Credit Union League and a current Board Member of the Maine Council on Economic Education, explained, "Through Credit Union Youth Week and other programs, we have a great opportunity to provide useful personal finance tools that students will use for years to come. In addition, we hope to help make more parents aware of the crucial role they can play in helping their children to become fiscally responsible adults. It is essential that we remember that today's youth are tomorrow's adults and what they learn now about money management will shape their ability to be fiscally responsible throughout their lives."
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