More Than 4,000 Students Take a Bite of Reality for #CUYouthMonth

April 10, 2024

Helping younger generations understand how to budget, build credit, and create a positive relationship with money can change their future.  

As we celebrate #CUYouthMonth and Financial Literacy Month this April, credit unions are stepping up to showcase their commitment to financial education by hosting 36 (and counting!) Bite of Reality Fairs that will impact more than 4,000 high school students.   

The GoWest Foundation supports this collaborative effort by providing Bite of Reality—an app-based platform for high school students that addresses the most practical financial challenges they will experience in adulthood—to all participants. Students spend 90 minutes simulating the housing, transportation, food, and day-to-day costs of an assigned character while managing pushy car dealers and unexpected expenses, just as in real life. If students have questions or need guidance, credit union staff are there to help.   

“Since the Bite of Reality program’s inception in 2021, GoWest’s member credit unions have facilitated nearly 200 financial literacy events for over 18,000 students,” shared GoWest Foundation Program Manager Caroline Barragan. “Starting conversations about finances with students who may have never thought about concepts like budgeting or credit scores before is invaluable to their future, and we are proud of the credit union volunteers who have presented at schools in their community.”  

Take a look at this video created by students at Shelton High School in Shelton, Washington, for a firsthand look at a financial reality fair:  

Is your credit union ready to join in the fun? Request a Bite of Reality Toolkit here! Each kit contains everything necessary to put on an event, including 10 Kindle devices, as well as participant, facilitator, and outreach materials.  

For more information, contact the GoWest Foundation team at [email protected]. 

Posted in All Articles, Financial Education, Financial Reality Fairs.