Desert Valleys FCU Sponsors First West Coast Millionaire's Club

Desert Valleys FCU, Ridgecrest, CA, has launched the first Millionaire's Club on the west coast. The Club will work with middle school students at the Ridgecrest Charter School to provide financial literacy education through lesson plans, entrepreneur projects, and stock market simulation games. The initiative is being sponsored by Desert Valleys has part of its continued mission to educate youth.

Millionaire Clubs have been successfully running on the east coast for several years. The program, an initiative of the CU Foundation of MD & DC, serves over 2,000 students in 50 Clubs in Connecticut, Ohio, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Bringing the program to Ridgecrest as the first in California is a testament to the vision of Ridgecrest Charter School. Executive Director Steve Martinez of Ridgecrest Charter School said; "We are excited to be the first school to bring this program to our students. Desert Valleys has provided us a three year grant commitment to build this program".

"Our goal is to open the door to the importance of financial literacy for young adults" said Desert Valleys CEO, Eric Bruen. "Ridgecrest Charter School presents a great opportunity to be innovative without some of the constraints of a larger school district." 

During the kick-off event, more than 40 students flocked to the opportunity to get involved. Charter Middle School teacher Susan Mattina will be spearheading the club. "I have been talking to students every day about how exciting it is to be part of a new initiative." said Mattina.

This program becomes a compliment to the annual Bite of Reality event that Desert Valleys has provided for youth's over the past five years. In future years, Desert Valleys hopes to provide this program to other schools in the area. "Financial Literacy for teens is something which is lacking in our current curriculum" said Bruen. Of special note is the efforts of Hayley Weik former President of the Ridgecrest Youth Advisory Committee. During the past six months, she has lead the implementation and preparation of the program. "I love coming back to Ridgecrest and being able to bring something valuable to the teens who will lead our community in the future." said Weik.

Desert Valleys is a not-for-profit financial cooperative committed to serving the Ridgecrest and Trona Community. Desert Valleys has served the Ridgecrest and Trona communities since 1946 and proudly seeks to improve the lives of our 4,200 members. 

To learn more about the Millionaire's Club financial education experience visit MillionairesClub.Org, view the short film and click "GET STARTED" to access all of the site's resources.