TALLAHASSEE, FL — Countless studies and surveys have reinforced that the summer learning “slide” — learning loss that can happen during long periods away from the classroom — is real. The FCCU Foundation launched Finance FUNdamentals to keep minds engaged and teach valuable life skills. As First Commerce Credit Union’s nonprofit subsidiary, the FCCU Foundation offers free financial literacy resources.
“At First Commerce, we believe financial education is a powerful tool for unlocking potential,” said Cecilia Homison, CEO of First Commerce Credit Union. “Programs like this help us live our purpose—empowering people and transforming communities, one young learner at a time.”
Throughout the summer, the FCCU Foundation partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs, summer camps, and community programs across North Florida and South Georgia to establish the interactive Finance FUNdamentals series, highlighting essential personal finance lessons.
The series helps kids and teens focus on life skills such as budgeting, saving, and navigating the challenges of growing up. By delivering financial education directly in community spaces where kids and teens already gather, like the Carrie Dorsey Perry Memorial Library in Nashville, Georgia, the program targets specific age groups for deeper engagement.
“We’re grateful to the Foundation for bringing this kind of hands-on financial education to our library,” said Angi Hughes, Branch Manager of the Carrie Dorsey Perry Memorial Library. “They make learning about money fun and approachable for our kids.”
Throughout June and July, the FCCU Foundation engaged around 125 campers weekly at camps, libraries, and community hubs with interactive, gamified financial education lessons.
“Our series gives young people the tools and confidence to make smart financial choices,” said Mandy Schnittker, Financial Education Coordinator for the FCCU Foundation. “We’re helping local youth and teens build real-world skills they can carry into the future — through every engaging, educational experience.”
Some Finance FUNdamentals highlights include:
- Budgeting with Beans – a fun way to see how spending choices add up
- Price is Right-style Game – spotting smart deals vs. money traps
- Water Relay Race – learning the difference between risky and safe spending
- Hidden Cost Games – becoming pros at spotting the fine print
- “Know Your Dough” Game Show – showing off everything learned
Weekly camp themes also brought this playful, yet practical, money series to life.
At an area museum, for example, campers explored how animals and people survive in the wild. By connecting this theme to financial survival skills, the FCCU Foundation is demonstrating how smart money habits help us thrive. The partnership with the Tallahassee Museum is one of many long-standing collaborations that continue to grow in impact and creativity.
“This partnership has grown in such meaningful ways,” said Allison Ashcroft, Director of Programs at the Tallahassee Museum. “It’s wonderful to have a community partner like First Commerce that enhances our summer programming with valuable life skills kids can carry with them for years to come.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
As summer winds down, the FCCU Foundation is already planning for the fall—bringing Finance FUNdamentals and other financial wellness workshops to schools, churches, and local nonprofit organizations. By customizing each session to fit the needs of the group and the community it serves, the Foundation ensures that every individual gets a meaningful, relevant experience – through both hands-on workshops and innovative digital resources.
At the heart of FCCU’s digital initiative is SmartMoney Online, powered by Enrich (FirstCommerceCU.Enrich.org), a comprehensive platform featuring engaging videos and articles, and personalized learning paths for teens and adults. Schools, churches, businesses, and organizations interested in customized financial education workshops can contact the FCCU Foundation to discuss fall availability at FCCUFoundation@FirstCommerceCU.org. We look forward to bringing financial education to life in your community!
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About First Commerce Credit Union:
First Commerce is an award-winning, full-service, #LocalStrong financial institution dedicated to empowering generations and transforming communities for 85 years. First Commerce has been consistently recognized for its community impact, including national awards for their annual #FlamingoChallenge, which has raised $500,000+ to date to benefit breast cancer patients throughout the region and the #LocalStrong initiative helping local businesses and people at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Tallahassee’s largest locally based credit union, First Commerce serves more than 70,000 consumer and business members across North Florida and South Georgia and has more than $1 billion in assets. First Commerce offers best-in-class consumer and business products and services, and free financial literacy resources in person and online through the FCCU Foundation. For details, visit FirstCommerceCU.org, FCCUFoundation.org, or call 850.488.0035 or 1.800.533.5772. Insured by NCUA. Equal housing opportunity lender.
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