MADISON, Wis. (2/17/16)--Warm and fuzzy may not be the first thing to come to mind when “financial literacy” is mentioned, but The Berenstain Bears program is one way to reach elementary school students.

The program--run by the Credit Union Network for Financial Literacy (CUNFL)--recently received a “paws up” from the National Credit Union Foundation.

“Both the foundation and CUNFL share the mission of improving people’s financial lives through credit unions, particularly by using financial literacy,” said foundation Executive Director Gigi Hyland. “Leveraging the well-known Berenstain Bears materials will help arm the youngest generation of consumers up to age 10 with engaging financial education knowledge from CUNFL.”

The foundation’s Biz Kid$ program is a great next step to continue financial literacy education for older kids, she added.

The Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program boosts financial literacy and promotes the benefits of being a credit union member. It includes the Credit Union Financial Literacy Series of books featuring the Berenstain Bears, the Cub Account for young members, and associated lesson plans and activities developed by early childhood education experts.

In the latest book, “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Credit Union,” the Berenstain cubs tour the credit union branch, visiting the teller line, vault, drive-through window, coin counter and more.

They also learn how their savings can grow at a credit union, which is a safe place to save their money.

“Our certified educators worked diligently to develop a turnkey children’s education and marketing program that focuses on the concept ‘Save, Share, Spend, Earn’ and the value of credit union membership, and we are honored to have the foundation’s seal of approval,” said Rick Durante, national director of The Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program.