Gulf Winds Credit Union is bringing financial literacy education to over 1,000 students in Florida and Alabama. Students at 9 schools in Escambia, Leon, Monroe and Santa Rosa counties have free access to Banzai, an award-winning online program and content library that allows users to practice real-world finance from the safety of their home or classroom using any internet-enabled device. At a time when a solid foundation of practical financial knowledge is critical, these resources will make a huge impact on users. All of these resources are available to students at home or in the classroom via any device that can access the internet.

"Banzai is a web-based financial literacy program. Kids get their own accounts, and they work through assignments that are based on real life," says Morgan Vandagriff, co-founder of Banzai. "But because Gulf Winds Credit Union is sponsoring it, local schools get it for free. More than ever, it's important that kids develop sound financial skills to prepare them for the real world, and Gulf Winds Credit Union realizes that and they're doing something about it."

Banzai content builds a foundation of practical knowledge and gives students the tools to create a sound financial future. While students learn, teachers can easily monitor and grade their progress remotely. After finishing Banzai, students will know how to track where their money is and what it’s for, recognize financial trade-offs, build a budget, and more. At a time when many are facing unprecedented financial challenges, these lessons are invaluable. The Banzai resources are available at gogulfwinds.teachbanzai.com.

Frank Giammaria, Director of Community Relations at Gulf Winds Credit Union says, “Gulf Winds and the Gulf Winds Cares Foundation believes in the value of financial literacy. We are committed to providing the tools and resources needed to help people make good financial decisions and live their best financial life. Banzai makes it easy for us to promote financial literacy in our region with a simple sponsorship. Most importantly, the schools and teachers we partner with are seeing results in their students.”

Gulf Winds Credit Union is working with Banzai to build financial literacy in these communities by investing time, money, industry experience, and a variety of credit union resources. Beyond the Banzai library, Gulf Winds Credit Union also offers virtual or in-classroom presentations from local experts on timely topics.

Banzai resources are used by over 100,000 teachers across the U.S. The courses align with Florida and Alabama’s state curriculum requirements, making the program a fun way for students to gain vital financial literacy skills.

Teachers interested in using the Banzai program with their class can call 888-8-BANZAI.

For more information about Banzai visit banzai.org.