Sikorsky Credit Union Brings Financial Reality to Life for over 800 High School Students

Managing monthly expenses can be a challenge for many adults – but thanks to Sikorsky Credit Union, hundreds of local teens are getting a head start. This spring, over 800 high school students gained hands-on experience in financial decision-making at Financial Reality Fairs hosted by the credit union.

Held at Ansonia High School, Stratford High School, Shelton High School, and Bunnell High School, the fairs simulated real-world budgeting scenarios. Students selected a career and corresponding income, then navigated choices around housing, transportation, food, entertainment, and other expenses – learning in real time how their decisions affect their financial well-being. As an added dose of realism, students also had to account for unexpected expenses like car repairs or medical bills, reinforcing the importance of saving and planning ahead.

“Stepping into the Financial Reality Fair offered our students a powerful glimpse into their financial futures.” said Karen Phipps, Career and Technical Education Lead Teacher at Ansonia High School. “Sikorsky Credit Union provided an engaging and interactive approach to teaching money management, the cost of living, and financial decision-making. Students now have a better understanding of budgeting, prioritizing needs versus wants, and the importance of financial planning. As a result, they are better equipped to navigate their financial futures with confidence and make informed decisions that will shape their adult lives.”

“This program goes beyond typical classroom lessons - it gives students a chance to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world scenario,” said Whitney Cadett, Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Growth. “It’s a fun way to show teens what real-world budgeting looks like. It sparks great conversations and helps them think more seriously - and confidently - about their financial future.”

Sikorsky Credit Union remains dedicated to promoting financial literacy among youth, recognizing that early financial education lays the foundation for lifelong success. Financial Reality Fairs are part of an ongoing effort to prepare students for life beyond the classroom by instilling practical knowledge to manage their finances effectively in the real world.

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Sikorsky Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in Connecticut with more than 66,000 members. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or volunteers in Fairfield, Hartford, or New Haven counties. Sikorsky Credit Union believes in banking the way you choose and gives members the option to bank at one of their convenient branch locations, online or through the mobile app. For more information, please visit www.sikorskycu.org. Deposits insured by the NCUA, an agency of the US government.