CUNA News
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • Credit Union Magazine
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Digital Edition
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Topics
    • Community Service
    • Compliance
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Credit Union System
    • Directors
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Lending
    • Marketing
    • Operations
    • Policy & Issues
    • Sales & Service
    • Technology
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Jobs
  • Contact

News

Home » Oregon CUs bring real world education to classrooms with financial literacy bill
CU System

Oregon CUs bring real world education to classrooms with financial literacy bill

February 22, 2023
fin lit

GoWest Credit Union Association, in partnership with Oregon Senate President Rob Wagner and Senate Republican leader Tim Knopp worked to introduce a life skills bill, Senate Bill 3. This bill will add one future planning credit to the state's high school curriculum and help students apply financial empowerment standards to their future. 

In 2022, credit unions in Oregon provided free financial education to 17,000 children and 25,285 adults. Financial education has long been a cornerstone of credit unions' services to help members build brighter financial futures. 

"Our kids are our future, and it is our responsibility to ensure they have the financial literacy skills that lead them to economic security,” said Wagner. 

"We have an obligation to empower our community to thrive," said Knopp. "Ensuring our kids have the future planning skills and financial literacy to succeed once they become adults is a critical step in financial wellness and supports the economy's overall health." 

Critical life skills introduced in the bill’s future planning class initiative include guidance on:

  • Applying for jobs, preparing a resume, or filling out a job application and developing job interview skills. 
  • Applying for admission to a postsecondary institution of education, including applying for financial aid and scholarships.
  • Applying financial literacy standards, including filing income tax returns, creating a budget, understanding bank and credit card
     statements, and planning for retirement. 
  • Developing career-related skills, including improving employability skills, taking advantage of community-based experiential learning and gaining knowledge of career opportunities.
  • Seeking assistance, including accessing community resources and acting as a self-advocate for mental, physical, and financial well-being.

"When our credit union partners in Oregon came to us with their list of legislative priorities for the year, it was not surprising that financial education rose to the top,” said Pam Leavitt, Vice President of Regional Grassroots and Political Programs/Legislative Affairs, GoWest Credit Union Association. “The essence of the credit union movement is financial literacy. You can see their commitment through action. Collectively, Oregon Credit Unions provided free financial education to 17,000 children.”

There are currently 15 states that guarantee their high school schoolers will take at least one personal finances course. “We are confident that this bill will become law and Oregon will be the 16th state,” said Leavitt.

Credit Union Magazine: Rock Stars 2023

Rock Stars 2023

Credit Union Rock Stars are outstanding credit union professionals and directors from a wide range of disciplines who inspire and innovate to advance the missions of their credit unions. The 25 members of the 11th class of Rock Stars were selected for their exceptional creativity, innovation, and passion.
Digital Edition •  Subscribe

Trending

  • Meet the 2023 Credit Union Rock Stars

  • Senators introduce bipartisan cannabis banking legislation

  • Nussle, Berger highlight credit union difference in WSJ letter to the editor

Polls

Do you plan to use the FedNow instant payment service?

View Results
More

Champion for the Credit Union Movement

Credit Union National Association is the most influential financial services trade association and the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America's credit unions. We work tirelessly to protect your best interests in Washington and all 50 states. We fuel your professional growth at every level and champion the credit union story at every turn.

More CUNA

  • Membership
  • Contact Us
  • Careers

Resources for

  • Credit Union Advocates
  • Leagues
  • Press
  • Providers

Our Affiliates

  • American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL)
  • Credit Union Awareness
  • Credit Union House
  • CUNA Strategic Services
  • National Credit Union Foundation
GET CUNA UPDATES
© 2023 Credit Union National Association | ADA Compliance Notice & Legal
Email Us