Teens at the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester are learning the importance of budgeting and career exploration through the CU 4 Reality Financial Literacy Program.

This program is presented by St. Mary’s Bank and America’s Credit Union Museum. The eight-week program covers topics including goal setting, career exploration, budgeting and financial wellbeing.

“It’s not only about the money,” said Judi Window, Community Outreach at St. Mary’s Bank. “This class is about learning the basics, making good life choices, exploring career opportunities, and understanding how outside influence impacts decision making. We bring in speakers so the teens can learn firsthand about each topic.”

Recently, a panel of four guest speakers engaged CU 4 Reality students in a discussion on career exploration and evolving career paths. Speakers included Bob Sporel, Land Agent for the State of New Hampshire, Jefferson Guild, Construction & Maintenance Supervisor at Liberty Utilities, Officer Angeline Alexakos of the Manchester Police Department, and Doctor Stratton Danes, Vascular Surgeon at Catholic Medical Center.

“Our guest speakers emphasized the importance of flexibility when choosing a career path,” said Window. “The student’s really enjoyed meeting and connecting with our panelists, it’s an overall great experience for them.”

Window, along with Carolyn Nenart of America’s Credit Union Museum, are teaching the curriculum to the teens who are voluntarily participating in the program at the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester.

This month, CU 4 Reality won the Wegner Award for Outstanding Program from the National Credit Union Foundation. CU 4 Reality is a comprehensive financial literacy program of America’s Credit Union Museum that takes a hands-on practical approach to budgeting and financial education through real-world scenarios.


Teens at the Manchester Boys & Girls Club gather with guest speakers for the career segment of the CU 4 Reality Financial Literacy Program.