More than 100 students from Toll Gate High School in Warwick, Rhode Island, recently participated in the 6th Annual CU 4 Reality™ Financial Education Fair sponsored by Wave Federal Credit Union. Attending the event were elected officials, community leaders, school administrators, teachers, and other invited guests.

RI General Treasurer Seth Magaziner and Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian were the keynote speakers and presented a proclamation to the credit union and high school, announcing March 22, 2017, as Toll Gate High School Financial Literacy Day in the City of Warwick.

Left to right: Eugene Nadeau, vice chair, Warwick School Committee; David Dupere, EVP/COO, Wave Federal Credit Union; RI General Treasurer Seth Magaziner; Dr. Phillip Thornton, superintendent of schools, Warwick Public School District;Candace Calouri, Toll Gate High School principal; and Wave Federal Credit Union President/CEO Paul Archambault.

The CU4 Reality™ Financial Education Program complemented the high school's personal financial education initiative for students. During the school year, Wave Federal Credit Union representatives delivered monthly presentations to help the students increase their understanding of the importance of managing their personal finances so they can be prepared for the financial challenges and lifestyle decisions they will face as adults. 

The fair was the culminating event, where students applied what they learned in the classroom. They were presented a series of spending decisions similar to the types made by a young adult and interacted with local businesses as consumers based on their chosen career and corresponding monthly income.

The students met with representatives from Wave Federal Credit Union and various businesses and industries that included: Donovan Travel, Elmwood Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, Empire Beauty School, Integrated Financial Partners, Liberty Mutual, Premier Home Realty, LLC, Stop and Shop, and others to help them gain a better appreciation of the importance of budgeting, financial planning and making wise purchasing decisions.

Paul Archambault, president/CEO of Wave Federal Credit Union, said that the credit union was proud to sponsor this rewarding educational opportunity in partnership with Toll Gate High School.