More than 250 students from Toll Gate and Pilgrim High Schools participated in Wave Federal Credit Union’s CU 4 Reality™ Financial Education Fairs at the end of April.

 This was the second fair of the year sponsored by the credit union.

 “The CU 4 Reality Financial Program and Fairs complement the financial literacy legislation that passed in Rhode Island that requires all students to demonstrate proficiency in financial literacy before high school graduation,” said David Dupéré, President and CEO of Wave Federal Credit Union. “This learning experience reinforces the teaching in the classroom and meets this need.”

 During the school year, credit union representatives were invited monthly over the course of two semesters to present topics to hel students increase their understanding of the importance of managing their personal finances and to prepare for the financial challenges and lifestyle decisions they will face as adults.

 Sponsored by Wave Federal Credit Union, the CU 4 Reality™ Financial Education Fair is the culminating event that places students through a realistic budgeting experience during which they make a series of spending decisions like those made by a young adult.

 The fair provides the students with the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom and interact with local businesses as consumers based on their chosen career and corresponding monthly income.

 The students met with representatives from Wave Federal Credit Union and various businesses and industries to include Community College of Rhode Island, Coldwell Banker Realty, DeGiulio Insurance Group, LLC, Generations Financial Strategies LLC, Premier Home Realty, LLC, Rhode Island Student Loan Authority, Stop and Shop, Tasca Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Fiat, and others to gain a better appreciation of the importance of budgeting, financial planning and making wise purchasing decisions.