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Altra Federal Credit Union - ONALASKA, Wis. -- The Altra Foundation is dedicated to providing financial wellness opportunities for youth and adults in the communities they serve. The Foundation’s definition of financial wellness is having the skills to develop financial goals, budget, manage debt, invest, and maintain good credit. The Altra Foundation Financial Education scholarship was available to high school students (grades 9-12), ages 13+. To be eligible, applicants needed to complete various modules through their partnered Banzai program, which is offered on Altra’s website or through teacher’s classrooms. Applicants did not need to be members of Altra Federal Credit Union to participate or win. The Altra Foundation selected two winners this year for the Financial Education scholarship. Caeli McMahon from Melrose-Mindoro High School (WI) and Olivia Gardner from Cotter High School (MN) will each be receiving a $5,000 scholarship. When asked if they had any advice for others interested in taking the course, Gardner said “really pay attention to every course and even taking the additional side courses. [The course] is really helpful for someone going to college, knowing how to budget and knowing how to spend money wisely.” McMahon added “There are a lot of things that I know I learned in the program that I even think about now when I’m trying to make my financial decisions. The program really helped me to learn how to spend my money, save my money, and everything financial.” Both recipients agreed that they would recommend the Banzai program to others their age. A check presentation was held for the award recipients at the Altra Federal Credit Union Operations Center, located at 1700 Oak Forest Drive, Onalaska, WI 54650 on Monday, June 13th at 11:00am. It is important to remember that it is never too late to learn how to handle your finances. If you are interested in learning more or donating to the Altra Foundation, visit www.altrafoundation.org. ABOUT ALTRA Altra Federal Credit Union has made members a fundamental part of its vision since 1931. Over the years that focus has seen the credit union grow into a leading financial institution with over $2.2 billion in assets and more than 130,000 members worldwide. Both not-for-profit and member-owned, Altra’s mission is to create member loyalty by providing products, services and guidance that enable our members, staff, and communities to prosper. In addition to banking services conveniently available through online, chat, mobile, or phone options, Altra offers a full range of financial services, from personal and business to lending and investments. By offering several eligibility options for membership based on where you live, work, worship, or attend school, Altra is Helping You Live Your Best Life! To learn more visit www.altra.org. ABOUT BANZAI Banzai! is a national financial literacy program, available online. It immerses teens in a game-like atmosphere to teach how to save, manage, and spend money wisely. This program can help parents create opportunities for meaningful conversations that instill healthy attitudes towards finances at any age. Middle and High School Teachers interested in using the Banzai program can visit altra.teachbanzai.com or by calling 888-8-BANZAI. Banzai! also offers an online curriculum for teachers to provide their students. Through the Altra Foundation, the Banzai curriculum has been made available for free to middle and high school classrooms in the communities they serve. Teachers that utilize the program can monitor students’ progress through each of the modules.
Altra Federal Credit Union - ONALASKA, Wis. -- The Altra Foundation is dedicated to providing financial wellness opportunities for youth and adults in the communities they serve. The Foundation’s definition of financial wellness is having the skills to develop financial goals, budget, manage debt, invest, and maintain good credit. The Altra Foundation Financial Education scholarship was available to high school students (grades 9-12), ages 13+. To be eligible, applicants needed to complete various modules through their partnered Banzai program, which is offered on Altra’s website or through teacher’s classrooms. Applicants did not need to be members of Altra Federal Credit Union to participate or win. The Altra Foundation selected two winners this year for the Financial Education scholarship. Caeli McMahon from Melrose-Mindoro High School (WI) and Olivia Gardner from Cotter High School (MN) will each be receiving a $5,000 scholarship. When asked if they had any advice for others interested in taking the course, Gardner said “really pay attention to every course and even taking the additional side courses. [The course] is really helpful for someone going to college, knowing how to budget and knowing how to spend money wisely.” McMahon added “There are a lot of things that I know I learned in the program that I even think about now when I’m trying to make my financial decisions. The program really helped me to learn how to spend my money, save my money, and everything financial.” Both recipients agreed that they would recommend the Banzai program to others their age. A check presentation was held for the award recipients at the Altra Federal Credit Union Operations Center, located at 1700 Oak Forest Drive, Onalaska, WI 54650 on Monday, June 13th at 11:00am. It is important to remember that it is never too late to learn how to handle your finances. If you are interested in learning more or donating to the Altra Foundation, visit www.altrafoundation.org. ABOUT ALTRA Altra Federal Credit Union has made members a fundamental part of its vision since 1931. Over the years that focus has seen the credit union grow into a leading financial institution with over $2.2 billion in assets and more than 130,000 members worldwide. Both not-for-profit and member-owned, Altra’s mission is to create member loyalty by providing products, services and guidance that enable our members, staff, and communities to prosper. In addition to banking services conveniently available through online, chat, mobile, or phone options, Altra offers a full range of financial services, from personal and business to lending and investments. By offering several eligibility options for membership based on where you live, work, worship, or attend school, Altra is Helping You Live Your Best Life! To learn more visit www.altra.org. ABOUT BANZAI Banzai! is a national financial literacy program, available online. It immerses teens in a game-like atmosphere to teach how to save, manage, and spend money wisely. This program can help parents create opportunities for meaningful conversations that instill healthy attitudes towards finances at any age. Middle and High School Teachers interested in using the Banzai program can visit altra.teachbanzai.com or by calling 888-8-BANZAI.
Banzai! also offers an online curriculum for teachers to provide their students. Through the Altra Foundation, the Banzai curriculum has been made available for free to middle and high school classrooms in the communities they serve. Teachers that utilize the program can monitor students’ progress through each of the modules.