America First CU Helps Special Needs Students Purchase Snow Boots in Financial Literacy Activity

Riverdale, Utah – A true proponent of the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,’ America First Credit Union donated funds for snow boots to the students of Transition Academy at Jordan Valley School on 2/3/15. In a learning activity created to teach the students about financial literacy, each student received a VISA gift card for the purchase of snow boots to be used for upcoming school field trips.

Most students in the Transition Academy at Jordan Valley School, which is Canyons District’s school for students with severe disabilities, had never before used a credit or debit card to purchase goods at a store. With a little help from teachers and aides, each student was able to approach a cashier, present the item they sought to purchase and complete the shopping transaction with pre-paid Visa cards provided by America First Credit Union, one of Canyons District’s valued community partners. 

“The learning activity was a complete success,” said Robin Collett, Canyons District’s director of special education. “The thrill of accomplishment was evident in the bright smiles of all the students who were able to participate.”  

Canyons Transition Academy provides students with disabilities the opportunity to make choices in a safe environment with person-centered planning, hands-on training, community access and inclusion in community activities that lead to greater independence for living and employment.

“Thanks to America First Credit Union, which generously sponsored the shopping trip, the students didn’t just get the gift of a new pair of boots that they can wear while learning to ride public transportation, go to the library or visit museums,” said Collett. “Through this experience, they were given a chance to learn some important financial literacy and independent-living skills that are necessary to become productive participants in the community. We can’t thank America First Credit Union enough for helping us to help our students in this way.”