Oakland University Pre-Apprentice Program offers Your Financial Future workshop

April is Financial Literacy Month and with it comes the kick-off of the annual Chief Financial Credit Union’s Your Financial Future workshop, in partnership with Oakland University’s (OU) Pre-Apprentice Program.

Chief’s Your Financial Future is a 3-session workshop designed to teach teens and young adults the fundamentals of financial literacy. Students learn how to set up a bank account, how credit scores impact purchases and future goals, and how to establish good credit.

OU’s Pre-Apprentice Program brings students looking to learn more about trades and job certifications together for an eight-week course, connecting them with dozens of community partners to help guide their journey.

“We are thrilled that Chief has partnered with us again this year to teach these students essential life skills,” said Scott Crabill, Oakland University Associate Professor of Communication and director of the Pre-Apprentice Program. “We are here to teach students life lessons -how to build a resume, how to set up a LinkedIn account, and what career options are out there through trade certifications. In the end, they will also need to learn how to manage their finances, and that is where Chief has stepped in.”

The full program is offered tuition-free through scholarships available for interested students. Additional partners in the apprentice program include Michigan Works!, Habitat for Humanity, Oakland Literacy Council, Oakland County Workforce Development, Baker College, Oakland Community College and dozens of local and regional businesses. The eight weeks culminates with a career fair designed to introduce students to potential employers.

“The impact we have on young adults through this program is incredible,” said Ashley Chambers, Director of Business development and program facilitator. “Our goal is to help the leaders of tomorrow start out on the right financial foot, with a solid foundation of knowledge to help them navigate the ever-evolving world of finances. Giving back to our community lies at the core of what Chief Financial Credit Union stands for, and this program is an excellent reflection of that.

Chief’s Your Financial Future also offers its three-session workshop to high school students in Oakland County. Those interested in offering Your Financial Future at a high school or student community group can email Chambers at AshleyC@ChiefOnline.com.