Unlocking Digital Safety: ELGA Credit Union's Interactive Day

It was a vibrant day marked by curiosity and excitement as ELGA Credit Union visited Rolland-Warner and Ruth Fox schools, unfolding a unique educational initiative. Students, abuzz with energy, eagerly participated in LEAF Education Day, a dynamic assembly filled with lessons on digital safety and the art of crafting strong passwords.

A Silly Mascot with a Serious Message

Amanda Hardy and Riley Evoy, along with their alter-ego “Goldie”—a playful character sporting a whimsical blond wig and pink sunglasses—brought laughter and learning to fifth and sixth graders. Their mission? To arm students with knowledge on safeguarding personal information while navigating the digital landscapes of gaming and social media.

Building the Foundation for Financial Responsibility

At the heart of this engaging event was a powerful partnership between ELGA Credit Union and the Lapeer County Community Foundation (LCCF). Through the LEAF program, every kindergarten student in Lapeer County is gifted a Children’s Savings Account. It begins with $25, paving the path for future deposits made both by parents and the young savers themselves. This initiative nurtures financial responsibility from an early age, setting a precedent for prudent financial habits.

Empowerment Through Interaction

Interactive sessions led by Taylor Neely and fellow educators at Ruth Fox engaged students in discussions on digital safety, emphasizing the criticality of never sharing their passwords. The lessons extended beyond mere advice, diving into practiced skills that fortified their online banking experiences.

Encouraging Active Participation

Part of the program’s success is woven into its design—actively involving students in their financial journey. The quarterly Deposit Days provide an avenue for learners to engage with their LEAF accounts, reinforcing the value of saving for their future educational pursuits and career aspirations.

Expanding Horizons Across Schools

LEAF Education Day isn’t confined to the older students. The program extends its reach to younger minds in grades K-2, offering foundational lessons on money, its denominations, and its role in everyday life. This annual academic event spans across all 14 schools within the LEAF network, permeating diverse educational stages.

As ELGA and LCCF’s initiative sweeps through Lapeer County, the foundations are set for an empowered generation skilled in both digital savvy and financial acumen. According to The County Press, this push towards comprehensive youth education promises a brighter, more financially secure future.