Most of us graduated high school knowing the Pythagorean theorem but couldn’t balance a checkbook to save our lives.
Nuvision Credit Union decided to do something about that.
The credit union just wrapped up year two of its How Money Works program at Costa Mesa High School in California, and the results are pretty remarkable. Over 225 students have gone through the course since it launched, with 100 students completing the program this year alone.
Nine Months of Money Lessons That Actually Stick
From September through May, students ranging from freshmen to seniors met monthly to learn the financial basics that somehow never made it into the standard curriculum. We’re talking budgeting, saving, credit scores, investing, and how to navigate college costs without ending up with soul-crushing debt.
The program partnered with HowMoneyWorks.com, a financial education company based in Ontario, California. Financial educator Lester Baron led the classes alongside the How Money Works team, with backup from Nuvision employee volunteers who showed up to share real-world perspective.
And here’s the thing—it worked. Students didn’t just sit through another boring lecture series. They actually got engaged.
The Proof Is in the Pudding (and the Student Quotes)
Graduating senior Ernest summed it up nicely: “The classes showed me that money is a skill—the more you learn, the better you get. It’s a mindset that will help me in the future.”
Fellow senior Valerie had her own lightbulb moment: “One of my biggest takeaways was that your network equals your net worth, and the importance of surrounding yourself with financially responsible, goal-oriented people.”
That’s wisdom some people don’t figure out until they’re well into their thirties, if ever.
Recognition Where It’s Due
When the program wrapped in May, Nuvision went all out with a celebration honoring the students’ commitment. Everyone walked away with certificates, but fourteen graduating seniors scored something even better: scholarships of up to $1,000.
The catch? They had to create video reflections explaining what they learned and how it would impact their financial future. Turns out, asking teenagers to make videos isn’t exactly a hard sell.
Teachers Noticed the Difference
The real validation came from the educators who see these students every day. Tim Postiff, who coordinates the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program at Costa Mesa High, called it “a game changer.”
“The Nuvision team’s financial knowledge and ability to connect with young people on a personal level has allowed our students to walk away with individual financial goals and the confidence to see those goals to fruition,” he said.
Hunter MacDonald, a history teacher and social science co-department chair, noticed immediate results: “The students were excited and engaged from start to finish and immediately began applying what they learned. The program created a community that helps young people understand how to make money work to their advantage.”
Even getting teenagers to care about money—something that feels distant and abstract when you’re sixteen—proved surprisingly doable. Math and AVID teacher Heather Orduña admitted it’s usually tough to get teens invested in financial planning. But with this class? They were “actively engaging and being reflective and thoughtful about how they will save, invest, and spend their money in the future.”
World History teacher Timothy Richards praised the interactive approach and smart pacing that kept students locked in. His verdict: “The students love attending.”
Why This Actually Matters
Nuvision CEO Roger Ballard didn’t mince words about the credit union’s motivation: “Financial literacy is central to Nuvision’s mission, and we’re proud to partner with How Money Works to bring these important lessons to students in our communities.”
The positive student feedback, he noted, “demonstrates the value of helping young people learn how to budget, save, build credit, invest, and make informed decisions for a stronger financial future.”
Lester Baron echoed that sentiment: “Through this program we were able to teach students the essential skills that will be vital in helping them build a financial foundation to manage their lives financially now and in the future.”
As Ballard pointed out, the partnership shows what’s possible when community organizations and schools work together. The impact extends way beyond the classroom—these students are walking into adulthood with skills most people have to learn the hard way, through expensive mistakes and years of trial and error.
Now that’s an education worth investing in.
Related:
Nuvision CU celebrates grand opening of new Mesa-Longbow branch
Nuvision Credit Union Marks Memorable Year of Service and Impact in Communities