SECU Youth Deposit $3.2 Million During April's Saving Challenge!

RALEIGH, N.C., May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In conjunction with National Credit Union Youth Week, State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) held its annual Youth Saving Challenge April 18th-22nd with a rock and roll theme – "Money Rocks at My Credit Union."  And the SECU youth definitely "rocked," as nearly 17,500 young members made deposits totaling $3.2 million.  Prizes for the "Money Rocks" Saving Challenge included a Nintendo® Wii, Nintendo® DSi, iPod Touch® and iPod Nano®. SECU's 237 branches, opening over 700 new youth accounts, promoted the Challenge with a variety of creative displays and games.  Branch personnel encouraged financial education during the Challenge week through statewide youth presentations within branches and in area schools.

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SECU youth programs consist of FAT CAT for ages 12 and under and Zard for teens 13-19, with both options focused on the importance of early financial education.  SECU staff use FAT CAT educational workbooks to assist with teaching elementary students and incorporate Biz Kid$ and NEFE (National Endowment for Financial Education) curricula for middle and high school students, respectively.  Each youth program has a dedicated website (www.cufatcats.org and www.teenzard.org) and quarterly educational newsletters to complement the account offerings.  The FAT CAT program also has a mascot who travels with branch personnel to various events and educational presentations throughout North Carolina.

Cindy Hubbard, SECU's Vice President in Brevard comments, "Credit Union Youth Week provides an excellent opportunity to showcase SECU's youth programs along with the benefits of saving and being financially responsible.  SECU branch staff enthusiastically challenged themselves to be very creative with this year's Youth Week theme and the displays and events were incredible.  Combined with great prizes, the 2011 participation ranked at the top of the charts!"  

About SECU

SECU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members. SECU has been providing the employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for over 70 years. Currently serving more than 1.6 million members, SECU provides services through 237 branch offices, nearly 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Contact Centers and a website, www.ncsecu.org.

SOURCE SECU