Nease High School junior Shivam Shah was one of 20 students who participated in a free financial literacy camp hosted by First Florida Credit Union last week.
The 16-year-old had previously enrolled in personal financial literacy classes, but said he wanted to make sure his decision making was on track before heading to college.
“People aren’t able to make the best decisions if they aren’t entirely sure what they are doing,” Shah said. “Not being aware will end up costing you more money in the long run.”
Shah said the week-long camp helped him learn key financial concepts that he knows will stay with him as he moves into adulthood, including how to build a strong credit score and manage student loans.
Ashleigh Robinson, a community relations specialist with First Florida Credit Union, said this was the third year that the Jacksonville-based financial institution offered this unique learning experience for students ages 13 to 16 at its County Road 210 branch.
“Every year, we are impressed by how inquisitive and enthusiastic these teens are to learn important lessons that will help set them up for financial success,” Robinson said. “Our team is proud to play a role in helping these young adults understand that they are in the driver’s seat when it comes to navigating their financial futures.”
In addition to learning about money management, students also had the opportunity to flex their entrepreneurial skills by developing and presenting business concepts to the credit union’s senior management team.
First Florida Credit Union plans to reach more students through Camp C.E.O. in the future. The credit union hosts a wide variety of other free financial events throughout the year, including a new college-prep workshop scheduled for July 27. For more information, go to the community section of the credit union’s website at www.firstflorida.org for calendar listings and for 24/7 access to their financial education video series “It’s a Money Thing.”
