If you are looking for an in-classroom financial education presentation or lesson there are organizations, banks, credit unions, and government agencies across Washington that offer free programs for the classroom.
In-Class/School Programs
Junior Achievement of Washington
Grades: K-12
Junior Achievement of Washington is a nonprofit organization that brings the real world to students through hands-on curriculum delivered by a trained classroom volunteer.
More information: Junior Achievement of Washington Website
O Bee Credit Union Berenstain Bears School Visits
Grades: K-3
O Bee's Berenstain Bears® Financial Literacy Program visits local elementary schools in Thurston County to teach students about money through the concepts of Save, Share, Spend, and Earn.
More information: OBEE Berenstain Bears Program
Department of Financial Institutions Budget for Your Bank Activity
Grades: 1-3
DFI’s Budget for Your Bank activity is a 30 minute lesson that has students budget fake money to buy their own piggy bank at the piggy bank store. Worksheets, presenter, and free piggy banks all included.
More information: email Crystal.Flaten@dfi.wa.gov.
Northwest Credit Unions’ Financial Reality Fairs
Grades: 6-12
A Financial Reality Fair is a hands-on experience in which students, after identifying their career choice and starting salaries, are provided a budget sheet requiring them to live within their monthly salary while paying for basic living expenses. After they have visited the various booths covering components of independent living, students will balance their budget, and then sit down with a financial counselor to review their standing.
More information: Financial Reality Fairs
CENTS: Student Loan Planning
Grades: 9-12
Presentations about avoiding student loan debt may available for schools, and community organizations.
To request a presentation, email Tony Leahy at tony@centsprogram.org
Financial Beginnings Programs
Grades: 9-12
Financial Beginnings’ programs are provided at no cost to partner or participant. Programs are full-service, meaning Financial Beginnings supplies all curriculum and supplemental materials. Financial Beginnings also provides trained volunteers who teach the lessons of each program.
More information: Financial Beginnings Washington
Organizations Providing Presentations
BECU Classroom Presentations
Grades: 9-12
BECU financial educators provide free financial programs for adult and teen students. At this time, in-person presentations are offered only in Western Washington.
More information: BECU Classroom Presentations
Washington State Employees Credit Union Presentations
Grades: K-12
Washington State Employees Credit Union has programs for the classroom. To learn about their latest programs be sure to contact their community relations team.
More information: WSECU Education Programs
Local Banks: Teach Children to Save
Grades: K-6
Teach Children to Save, a free national program that organizes bank volunteers throughout the year to help young people develop a savings habit early in life. Here’s a list of participating banks in Washington. If a bank is not participating in your community, feel free to reach out to them.