Students Get 'Bite Of Reality' In Financial Literacy Event

From BGC Sonoma: Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, a program of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma County, partnered with Redwood Credit Union in Santa Rosa, California to support the organization’s financial literacy program. Nearly 100 juniors from high schools throughout Sonoma County and 20 volunteers from the community participated in a day focused in Financial Literacy. Students meet once per month and get an inside look at Sonoma County through hands-on learning that develops critical thinking and communication skills.

“We’re excited to provide Bite of Reality to Tomorrow’s Leaders Today for the fourth year in a row,” said Wrynn Valentine Reynoso, Financial Wellness Advocate at Redwood Credit Union. “We love partnering with Tomorrow’s Leaders Today because, like Redwood Credit Union, they are committed to the strength of our communities and our youth. Every year, we look forward to interacting with these young people and introducing them to some of the realities of personal finance in a fun and engaging way.” The Bite of Reality Program is an interactive financial reality experience where students have a career, an income, a family, checking account, credit card, and choices to make on how to spend their money. This program is such an incredible opportunity,” said Lotasha Thomas, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma County Controller. “As a Controller and parent, I see first-hand the need for financial education. Life is going to happen and our students will be better prepared for the financial realities they face as a result.”

The Bite of Reality Program creates a safe environment in which students can experience how easy it can be to overspend. They receive counseling as to whether what they purchased is a need or a want. Students are also introduced to easy windfalls and unexpected bills, and coached how to manage unplanned expenses when they are thrown into the mix. “I learned that life is unpredictable and you have to be prepared,” said Harriet Ikandu, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today student. Redwood Credit Union’s first Bite of Reality event was held in 2013. Since then, Redwood Credit Union has partnered with 45 North Bay schools and youth organizations to offer the program. More than 9,875 teens have participated in Redwood Credit Union’s Bite of Reality Program to date.

Tomorrow’s Leaders Today students learned more than fiscal responsibility. “It showed me how it’s like to be a real-life adult in a fun way,” recalled Emma Simon, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today student.

Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Sonoma County