Our Program
Commonwealth Credit Union is proud to support educators by equipping them with extensive tools to teach financial literacy.
A Passion for education
At Commonwealth Credit Union, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. Our commitment to the communities we serve is unwavering, and we are proud to be a trusted partner in the classroom. Whether you're trying to address financial education in your individual classroom, the whole school, or your entire district - we have scalable options that may meet your needs.
Introducing Connections, our comprehensive financial empowerment platform, designed to meet and exceed the Kentucky Department of Education's Financial Literacy Standards for grades 9-12. Connections is tailored to help high schools across the Bluegrass State fulfill the financial literacy graduation requirement with ease.
Why Choose Connections?
Empowering Educators
- Beyond the Basics: Offers enriched content and interactive activities to deepen financial understanding and capability.
- Reliable and Safe: Provides a secure learning environment.
- Fully Aligned with State Standards: Content available to align and exceed Kentucky Financial Literacy Standards. See curated content HERE.
Equipping Administrators
- Absolutely Free: Available at no cost to high schools in Kentucky.
- Locally Supported: Backed by local resources and the support of our Commonwealth Credit Union Financial Education team.
- ADA Compliant.
Supporting Students
- User-Friendly: Designed to ensure accessibility and easy understanding for all learners.
- Multi-language capability: Convert entire webpage from English to Spanish in the click of a button.
- 24/7 Access: Students can access Connections on a mobile device anytime, anywhere.
Focuses on 3 Core Areas of Action:
- Managing Money: Empower students with essential skills in budgeting, saving, and spending wisely to build a solid financial foundation.
- Paying for School: Equip students with knowledge about scholarships, student loans, and other financial aid options to make education affordable and achievable.
- Finding a Career: Prepare students for the workforce with guidance on career exploration, job searching, and developing professional skills.
Multiple Ways to Digest Material
We understand that your curriculum is unique, and so is every one of your students! That's why Connections offers everything from
educational videos, to interactive tools, full courses, and everything in between. This isn't an all or nothing platform, although it can be!
Pick and choose resources to fit YOUR students' needs!
Videos
Watch our engaging videos that simplify complex financial topics, making them accessible and easy to understand for all learners.
Articles
Dive into a wealth of knowledge with our curated articles, covering a wide range of financial topics in a concise, easy-to-read format.
Infographics
Visual learners will love our infographics, which break down complex financial concepts into simple, eye-catching visuals for quick understanding.
Interactive tools
Engage with our interactive tools that make learning about finances fun and practical, offering hands-on experiences to reinforce key concepts.
Courses
Our comprehensive courses are designed to provide an in-depth understanding of financial topics, helping students build a solid foundation for future success.
See for Yourself
Want a no obligation peek at the platform?
Create an account as an educator to see what students would experience within the platform.
Be sure to select "All Schools-Educator" in the affiliation dropdown.
FAQs
How does Connections benefit educators in teaching financial literacy?
Connections offers a comprehensive suite of resources, including articles, videos, infographics, interactive tools, and courses, all designed to make financial literacy education engaging and effective for students. It provides educators with ready-to-use materials that align with state standards. Educators also have the option to create class rosters for real-time reporting through a separate console.
How do I sign up my school for the Connections program?
We want you to have access to the Connections platform as quickly and efficiently as possible! Once you've decided Connections is right for your school, the steps to gain access are as follows:
- Fill out and submit the Connections Registration Form.
- Our Financial Education team will send you an agreement form through DocuSign.
- Have your school's principal digitally sign the document.
Once the document is signed, you will gain access to Connections for your classroom in 2-3 business days. It's as simple as that!
How much does Connections cost?
Connections is absolutely FREE of cost for Kentucky students and educators!
Can Connections be integrated into the existing curriculum?
Yes, Connections is designed to be flexible and can be easily integrated into your existing curriculum. Educators can use the resources as standalone lessons or supplement their current teaching materials to enhance financial literacy education.
How does Connections support different learning styles?
Connections caters to various learning styles by offering a diverse range of materials, including text-based articles, visually engaging infographics, interactive tools, and video content. This variety ensures that all students can engage with the material in a way that suits their learning preferences.
What AI capabilities does the Connections platform offer?
Connections features several AI-powered tools to enhance financial education. Ask Ernie, an AI-based financial assistant, provides tips and guidance on various financial topics, helping users make informed decisions and improve their financial well-being. Additionally, tools like Your Money Personality and the Financial Stress Score use generative intelligence to help users recognize their relationship with money and help them thrive financially.
