Wave Federal Credit Union Sponsors Pilgrim High School’s Second Annual Student Financial Education Fair
Over 100 students from Pilgrim High School in Warwick, Rhode Island, participated in the 2nd Annual CU 4 Reality™ Financial Education Fair that was held on Wednesday March 27, 2024, 8:15 a.m. at Pilgrim High School, 111 Pilgrim Parkway, Warwick, Rhode Island.
The event was attended by state elected officials that included Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, Secretary of State Gregg Amore, and General Treasurer James Diossa as well as school administrators from the City of Warwick, Assistant Superintendent William McCaffrey, Warwick School Committee Chair Shaun Galligan and Warwick School Committee Member David Testa. The Mayor of the City of Warwick, Frank Picozzi presented a proclamation to Wave Federal Credit Union and Pilgrim High School proclaiming March 27, 2024, as Pilgrim High School Financial Literacy Day in the City of Warwick.
During the 2023-2024 academic school year, Wave Federal Credit Union sponsored Winter Financial Education Fairs at both Pilgrim High School and Toll Gate High School and is pleased to sponsor Spring Financial Education Fairs at both schools. David Dupéré, Wave Credit Union’s President and CEO, said that helping teach students about financial responsibility is something that Wave is happy to do. The CU 4 Reality™ Financial Program and Fair complements the financial literacy legislation that passed in Rhode Island (RIGL 16-22-13) that requires that all students, beginning with the class of 2024 to demonstrate proficiency in financial literacy prior to high school graduation, and this learning experience reinforces the teaching in the classroom and meets this need.
During the school year, monthly presentations were presented by credit union representatives over the course of 2 semesters on topics to help the students increase their understanding of the importance of managing their personal finances to be prepared for the financial challenges and lifestyle decisions they will face as adults.
Dr. Cheri Guerra, Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning said, "Financial Literacy gives students the tools needed to make informed financial decisions. We hope students take what they have learned through our high school course and Wave Federal Credit Union’s Financial Education Fair to be mindful of managing their money and having knowledge of the multitude of ways in which they could earn, spend, save, and invest for their future."
Sponsored by Wave Federal Credit Union, the CU 4 Reality™ Financial Education Fair is the culminating event that places students through a realistic budgeting experience during which they will make a series of spending decisions like the types made by a young adult. The Fair provides the students the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom and interact with local businesses as consumers based on their chosen career and corresponding monthly income. The students met with representatives from Wave Federal Credit Union and various businesses and industries to include Community College of Rhode Island, Generations Financial Strategies LLC, Premier Home Realty LLC, RISLA College Planning Center, Slocum Insurance Agency, Stop and Shop, Tasca Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Fiat, and others to help them gain a better appreciation of the importance of budgeting, financial planning and making wise purchasing decisions.
