NW Valley Times

Representatives from Arizona Financial Credit Union, Tobby Alfonso and Margarita Mejia, taught K-12 students the fundamentals of finances at a workshop hosted by Grand Canyon University (GCU) on Thursday morning. The event took place at GCU's Learning Lounge and focused on essential financial literacy skills such as spending, saving, and budgeting.

Students expressed various aspirations when asked what they would like to purchase, with responses ranging from cars to houses and even islands. The workshop aimed to equip these young learners with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions in the future.

Learning Lounge Program Manager Alexandra Jones emphasized the importance of early financial education. “We thought how great it would be to teach our littles on the fundamentals of banking,” said Jones. “Our college students leave home, and when they are on their own, it’s just a credit card after a credit card. Spending habits come at you really quick, and those habits start burning into your brain early on."

Jones highlighted that the goal is to instill good saving habits in children so that they do not have to rely heavily on loans in adulthood.

The Learning Lounge team regularly visits local schools for open houses, academic events, and parent-teacher meetings. Their objective is to connect with parents and young students seeking community support.

Sophomore student worker Natanael Martinez shared his perspective: “It is really important because it is something not everybody gets to learn as a kid. It is something that will stay with them throughout life.”

During the workshop, Mejia and two other bank representatives presented fundamental concepts through engaging activities. These included lessons on spending versus saving, needs versus wants, quality prices, and basic budgeting principles. The interactive format featured a bingo game where students marked off key terms from the presentation.

Mejia noted her observations: “I was impressed because some of them grasp it so well and understand in their own way. We want them to understand from the beginning where all their money is going.”

One activity required students to distinguish between needs and wants by selecting items from a list of photos representing groceries, toys, toiletries, and new clothes. Correct choices were rewarded with Monopoly money.

Sophomore student worker Esther Baca Leyva reflected on her own experience: “When I was a kid, I really didn’t know much about the financial aspect. I wasn’t aware why it is important and how it can be used in the future. This gives awareness to the kids.”

At the conclusion of the workshop, students used their earned Monopoly money to shop for school supplies donated by Arizona Financial Credit Union.

“This is part of what GCU is trying to do – trying to enrich the community and uplift it from where it is at now,” said Jones. “We are trying to get these kids a safe place to play and be kids while trying to raise a community itself … and create future Lopes.”

Izabela Fogarasi contributed reporting for this article.

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