Youth Financial Literacy Programs

Youth financial literacy programs play a vital role in equipping young individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complex world of personal finance. Our youth financial literacy programs at Unity Catholic FCU aim to provide young people with a solid foundation in money management, budgeting, saving, investing, and other essential financial concepts. By empowering youth with financial literacy, these programs help set them on a path toward financial independence and success.

James E. Flynn Memorial Scholarship Winners for the 2024-25 School Year

• $500 - Mary Elizabeth H. attending St. Anthony of Padua - Parma

• $500 - Luke H. attending St. Charles Borromeo

• $500 - Giavanna S. attending St. Ambrose

• $500 - Lexia L. attending Sts. Joseph and John

• $1,000 - Ava C. attending Holy Name High School

• $1,000 - Chris H. attending Holy Name High School

• $1,000 - John Paul H. attending Holy Name High School

• $1,000 - Madeleine C. attending Saint Joseph Academy

• $1,000 - Connor H. attending Holy Name High School

The costs for your child's Catholic education only seems to add up as they grow. We are proud of your children’s achievements, and want to show them our support! Apply for the James E. Flynn Memorial Scholarship to help with the cost. We have $500 and $1,000 scholarships available for Unity Catholic members, kindergarten through 12th grade.

We'll award:

• Four Elementary Scholarships (for students entering Kindergarten through 8th grade) at $500 each for a total of $2000

• Five High School Scholarships (for students entering 9th through 12th Grade) at $1000 each for a total of $5000

If your child is an active member of Unity Catholic Federal Credit Union who attends a Catholic school within the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland or Eparchy of Parma, they are eligible to apply! The deadline for applications is December 31.

Our unique Student Savers program encourages school-age members to save by having their own Savings Account. One day each week, a Student Savers Representative from Unity Catholic FCU will be at school to accept savings deposits.

Currently, the schools that participate in the Student Savers program are:

If you do not see your child’s school listed above, please call the credit union and talk to our Student Savers Representative about a possible program at your school.

STUDENTS
Our Student Savers program is for school-age children and young adults through the eighth grade. Nearly 1,000 local youth are involved, each developing good saving habits by having his or her own savings account and making regular deposits. Students enjoy this program that is full of surprises, special events, and a good financial foundation.
 

AT SCHOOL
One day each week, a Student Savers Representative from the credit union visits participating schools to accept deposits from student savers. Each school has a designated day, so students may plan ahead to make deposits to their Savings Accounts. Although deposits are accepted at the school as well as at any credit union branch, withdrawals must be made in person at any credit union branch.
 

ACCOUNTS
Like our regular Share Savings Accounts, Student Savers accounts have no service fees, can be opened with as little as $5, and pay dividends.
 

SPECIAL INCENTIVES
We know that young people are motivated by rewards. That’s why we offer age-appropriate incentives for saving. From stickers to pizza parties, surprises and gifts encourage regular deposits by our Student Savers!

Visit these sites for tips on being smart with your money. You'll find information about:

• Earning and borrowing

• Saving and budgeting

• Spending and using checks

You'll also find out more about credit unions!

Unity Catholic Federal Credit Union was recently recognized for its efforts in the financial education of its younger members.

The Ohio Credit Union League, a state trade association, recently acknowledged Unity Catholic FCU’s financial literacy efforts by awarding them with The Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award, which recognizes leadership within the credit union movement regarding financial literacy targeted toward younger credit union members.
 
Unity Catholic FCU, a not-for-profit financial cooperative, received the award based on its many efforts to educate younger members of the community on making smart financial choices. Their efforts include classroom presentations to various Catholic schools throughout the Cleveland area; an annual Youth Week celebration that provides special incentives for the credit union’s younger members who develop good saving habits; its Student Savers Program, which enables students at 12 Catholic elementary schools to make deposits to their credit union accounts directly at their school when a credit union representative visits weekly; the credit union’s “Centipedes Teller Window” at which kids can make deposits into their accounts at a specially-designed three-dimensional kid-friendly teller station; and the “Chatterbox Cha-Ching” newsletter – an educational newsletter aimed at elementary and middle school students to teach them tips and trivia about money and how to manage it.
 
“We’re thrilled to have been honored with this prestigious award,” said Tam Straight-Schervish, former CEO of Unity Catholic FCU. “We understand how critical financial literacy is to our younger members, and we want to make sure we’re doing what we can to teach them the importance of building good financial habits – both saving and spending their money. The programs we have implemented reach many students, and we’re proud to have our efforts recognized by the Ohio Credit Union League,” she added.
 
The League annually acknowledges select credit unions for their efforts in financial literacy. The winners of the Ohio League’s contest will advance to the national competition. The award’s namesake, Alphonse Desjardins, organized the first credit union in the United States.
 
Unity Catholic Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution that serves all parishioners, students, employees and corporate entities of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. For additional credit union information, visit them online at www.unitycatholiccu.org or call them directly at 440-886-2558.

Our ZOGO Youth Financial Literacy Program

One key aspect of our ZOGO youth financial literacy program is education about basic financial concepts. Many young people lack fundamental knowledge about money management, such as budgeting and saving. Our youth financial literacy program offers comprehensive courses and workshops that cover topics like creating a budget, understanding credit and debt, managing bank accounts, and making informed financial decisions. By instilling these skills early on, youth are better prepared to handle financial challenges they may encounter later in life.

Another important aspect of our ZOGO financial literacy program for youth is promoting responsible spending habits and consumer awareness. These programs emphasize the importance of distinguishing between needs and wants, making informed purchasing decisions, and avoiding impulse buying. Young people learn to develop the discipline to save for long-term goals.

Our ZOGO Youth financial literacy program also highlights the significance of saving and investing. The program educates young individuals about different types of savings accounts, the power of compound interest, and the benefits of long-term investments. By emphasizing the importance of saving early and regularly, these programs help young people develop a habit of setting aside money for emergencies, future expenses, and retirement. Moreover, they introduce the concept of investing and provide guidance on the basics of stocks, bonds, and other investment options, allowing young individuals to start building their financial portfolios early on.

Join Unity Catholic FCU Today!

Unity Catholic Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution that serves all parishioners, students, employees, and corporate entities of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. Set your child up for financial success by enrolling them in one of our youth financial literacy programs today!