The MCU Foundation Partners with Children's Aid to Advance Financial Education for Bronx Youth

The Foundation's $50,000 grant will support personal finance and life skills training at the Children's Aid Next Generation Center, helping young people map a route to success in adulthood.

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The MCU Foundation, the charitable arm of the Municipal Credit Union (MCU), today announced a $50,000 grant to Children's Aid to launch a new financial education initiative at its Bronx-based Next Generation Center.

The program will equip local youth, particularly those transitioning from foster care or involved in the juvenile justice system, with essential life and personal finance skills.

The new curriculum, delivered in partnership with BALANCE Financial Fitness, will focus on real-world financial literacy fundamentals. It will complement the Center's holistic youth development offerings, which include high school equivalency preparation, job readiness training, culinary education, and employment pathways.

"At the MCU Foundation, our mission is to help to build generational wealth and eliminate poverty – one New Yorker at a time. That's why we are excited to be supporting the important work of Children's Aid with a program that complements their efforts," said George Chacon, president of the MCU Foundation. "Having access to financial wellness education means these young people will be prepared with the knowledge they need to succeed as adults."

"Most high schools don't teach financial literacy, and children from under-resourced neighborhoods in particular may not have access to the tools they need to build successful financial futures." added Kyle Markland, member representative, MCU Foundation, and CEO, Municipal Credit Union. "We believe that every young person deserves the chance to develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate the complex world of personal finance."

Children's Aid's Next Generation Center serves young people ages 14–24, with programming designed to empower youth as they prepare for and transition into adulthood. The Center emphasizes wraparound support for youth who are aging out of foster care or navigating involvement in the juvenile justice system.

Program participants have access to high school equivalency programs, job readiness, employment opportunities, a professional kitchen that is home to a culinary arts education program, and more.

"We're grateful for our new partnership with the MCU Foundation, which will make a real difference in the lives of the youth we serve," said Children's Aid Executive Vice President, Georgia Boothe. "By launching this financial literacy initiative, we can give young people the tools to make smart financial decisions, build confidence, and move toward a stable, successful future."

For more information about programming and activations please visit: mcufoundation.org

About the MCU Foundation
Established in 2023, the MCU Foundation was created by the Municipal Credit Union's (MCU) executive leadership with the mission of helping to build generational wealth and eliminate poverty - one New Yorker at a time. It furthers this mission by increasing access to basic necessities, education and homeownership to uplift the hardworking heroes in our community. For more information about the MCU Foundation and its programs, please visit mcufoundation.nymcu.org.

About Children's Aid

Children's Aid is committed to ensuring that there are no boundaries to the aspirations of young people, no limits to their potential. After nearly 200 years of serving New York City's children, youth, and their families, we know what it takes to ensure children and youth grow up strong and healthy and ready to thrive in school and life: excellent education and health care, social-emotional support, and strong stable families. Today, we serve nearly 50,000 children, youth, and their families in New York City.

MEDIA CONTACT: Trevon James, 732-995-9335, [email protected] 

SOURCE Municipal Credit Union