Annual challenge encourages Madison students to inspire peers with financial education videos 

MADISON, Wis.—Summit Credit Union has announced the winner of its Project Teen Money 2020 program, an annual interactive video challenge encouraging students to discover healthy money management habits. Ike Lavitschke, a junior at Madison East High School, earned the highest point total and took home a $2,500 continuing education scholarship from Summit.   

“Each year, we’re impressed by the passion and creativity of the participants as they teach money management tips to their peers,” said Kim Sponem, CEO & President of Summit Credit Union. “It was inspiring to see the ways they encouraged their classmates to give, spend and save wisely as they navigate high school and beyond.”

The program featured eight students, two each from Madison’s East, West, La Follette and Memorial High Schools, educating their peers about successful money management. Through a series of video creations, participants taught their classmates helpful tips such as distinguishing between wants and needs, creating a savings plan and setting aside money for charitable causes.

Starting in January, participants published three 30- to 90-second videos on Summit’s website while their families, classmates and community members voted for their favorites. Submissions were awarded points on the basis of timeliness, accuracy, originality and creativity.

Ike hopes to explore a number of his passions in his future higher education experience, including information technology, videography and astronomy. “I would love to attend UW-Madison or another school that has a variety of options for study,” said Ike. “This scholarship makes a big difference as I plan for my future, and I am extremely grateful to Summit for the chance to participate.”

In addition to the $2,500 first place scholarship, Summit awarded each of the seven remaining Project Teen Money participants a $500 continuing education scholarship. To learn more about Summit’s annual Project Teen Money program, visit https://www.summitcreditunion.com/project-teen-money/about.