For the City Times
STEVENS POINT – Simplicity Credit Union is bringing financial literacy education to over 14,300 students and residents in Wisconsin.

Students at 91 schools and the surrounding community have free access to Banzai, an award-winning online program and content library that allows users to practice real-world finance from the safety of their home or classroom using any internet-enabled device. At a time when a solid foundation of practical financial knowledge is critical, these resources will make a huge impact on users.

“Banzai has been such an impactful program for our students,” says Jessica Zarnke at Loyal High School. “I am forever grateful for Simplicity Credit Union’s generous and continued support!”

Through the Banzai online courses, students try out managing a budget, saving for a goal, and dealing with unexpected financial pitfalls.

Teachers are able to easily monitor and grade student progress remotely. Other resources, which include articles, calculators, and personalizable Coach sessions, explain everything from the basics of filing your taxes to how health insurance works. These resources are available at simplicity.teachbanzai.com/wellness.

“Thanks to Simplicity Credit Union, area students will now have access to a wide array of courses and resources designed to help prepare them for our increasingly complex world,” says Morgan Vandagriff, co-founder of Banzai. “We wouldn’t be able to provide these tools without their support.”

Since 2017, Simplicity Credit Union has worked with Banzai to build financial literacy in the community by investing time, money, industry experience, and a variety of credit union resources. Now, they’re taking their commitment to education a step further. Through their help, students have access to Banzai learning tools, virtual or in-classroom presentations from a Simplicity Credit Union expert, and even class visits to a branch to see it all in person.

Banzai resources are used by over 80,000 teachers across the U.S. These educational tools align with Wisconsin’s state curriculum requirements, making the program a fun way for students to gain vital skills and an ideal way for anyone in the community to increase their financial literacy. After finishing the Banzai courses, users will know how to track where their money is and what it’s for, recognize financial trade-offs, and plan for a financially sound future.

Teachers interested in using Banzai can visit simplicity.teachbanzai.com or call 888-8-BANZAI.

For more information about Banzai visit teachbanzai.com

For more information about Simplicity Credit Union visit simplicity.coop