The Texas Credit Union Foundation made the following post to their Facebook page today:

Monday April 6, 2009 – (Dallas, TX) – In recognition of their commitment to improving financial literacy in their community, the Texas Credit Union Foundation (Foundation) has for the fourth consecutive year awarded the Fort Worth Chapter of Credit Unions with its prestigious FOCUS Award. Created three years ago, the FOCUS Award is the Foundation’s way of saying “job well done” to those credit unions and credit union leaders who are championing the cause to make a difference in the financial lives of Texas families.

“It’s a sad reality…millions of Americans have found themselves overwhelmed by personal debt because they didn’t know any better,” observed Courtney Nickles, interim executive director of the Foundation. “Money management isn’t something you are born with, it must be taught.”

Thankfully, there are organizations like the Fort Worth Chapter of Credit Unions willing to do just that. Comprised of about 33 credit unions, the Fort Worth Chapter continues to strengthen its commitment to financial education through its co-sponsorship of the “Newspapers in Education Program,” a program offered through the Fort Worth Star Telegram that enables them to reach teachers and students in participating area school districts.

Each year, volunteers from credit unions within the Fort Worth Chapter teach financial literacy classes at area schools utilizing the National Endowment for Financial Education’s High School Financial Planning Program. The NEFE curriculum is Texas Education Agency-approved, and meets all Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements for course instruction in personal finance.

The chapter has also collaborated with Junior Achievement of Chisholm Trail, Inc., supporting the program with a $7,500 donation, which the Foundation matched. Junior Achievement is dedicated to helping prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it. Utilizing the Junior Achievement’s curriculum, volunteers from the chapter taught financial education classes for grades kindergarten to six in the Sam Rosen Elementary School in Fort Worth and Webb Elementary School in Arlington. Thanks to the chapter’s involvement, some 1,200 students were exposed to this curriculum.

“Credit unions understand that being a financial service provider is more than just offering checking, savings and loans. It means taking the time to ensure members understand how to utilize these products and others responsibly,” adds Nickles. “Our FOCUS Award winners and every credit union across the country leading the charge to wipe out financial illiteracy are to be commended!”

The Fort Worth Chapter of Credit Unions will be recognized in front of their peers at the Texas Credit Union League’s Annual Meeting & Expo in Austin next week.