Nymeo Federal Credit Union Brings Real-World Financial Lessons to Middle School Students

FREDERICK, Md., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nymeo Federal Credit Union, in partnership with Crestwood Middle School and the CU Foundation MD|DC, brought a real-world, hands-on money management experience to Frederick County seventh graders—just in time for April's Financial Literacy Month.

While Financial Reality Fairs are typically reserved for high school students, Crestwood's Career Coach Dana Baker saw an opportunity to bring a modified version to middle schoolers.

"Although the Reality Fair is typically done in high schools, I wanted to bring a modified Reality Fair to Crestwood Middle School because I thought it would be a great opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in the career and financial literacy units of their Pathways to Success course," said Baker. "The event exceeded my expectations!"

Students were assigned a career, income, student loan debt, and monthly expenses—and then challenged to build a budget by navigating a series of interactive booths that mimicked real-life expenses, from housing and transportation to groceries and utilities. Nymeo staff volunteers, Frederick County Public School Career Coaches, and Frederick County Workforce Service representatives hosted each table and engaged students in thoughtful conversations about spending decisions and financial priorities.

"At Nymeo, we believe financial education should start early—and it should be engaging," said Vicki Johnston, President and CEO of Nymeo. "Reality Fairs allow students to make decisions, make mistakes, and most importantly, learn in a supportive environment. Partnering with our local schools to deliver this kind of experience is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in our future."

During the Reality Fair, students faced unpredictable moments called "Mayhem." These were scenarios like losing a phone, surprise expenses, or unexpected bonuses—to reflect the curveballs adults often experience throughout life.

Baker added, "Students stepped into the world of adulthood and the volunteers engaged them in thoughtful reflection about all the choices they could make in each category. It was insightful to hear their reasons for why they made specific choices and what changes they would make in the future. This was an invaluable opportunity that students will remember for years to come."

The event was also attended by Frederick County Public School Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Dyson, who visited to observe the impact of the Reality Fair firsthand.

About Nymeo Federal Credit Union:
Nymeo is a cooperative, not-for-profit financial institution with headquarters in Frederick, MD. Nymeo offers traditional banking products but stands apart from other financial institutions with its outstanding customer service, innovative branch concepts, low-interest rate loans and new mobile banking application for its members. Nymeo membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school, volunteers, or conducts regular business in Frederick and Montgomery Counties. For more information about Nymeo please visit nymeo.org.

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SOURCE Nymeo Federal Credit Union