Summit Credit Union’s Project Teen Money Awards Local Student $2,500 Scholarship

April 11, 2019

Annual interactive video challenge encourages area students to develop healthy money habits

MADISON, Wis.— Summit Credit Union has announced the winner of its Project Teen Money 2019 program, an annual interactive challenge encouraging students to learn about finances. Eliza Kuhlow, a Senior at Madison La Follette, earned the highest point total and took home a $2,500 continuing education scholarship from Summit.

“Project Teen Money was created with the goal of helping teens not only learn smart money management tips, but also teach those tips to their peers using videos,” said Kim Sponem, CEO & President of Summit Credit Union. “I love the research and creativity they put into pulling these together, often soliciting the help of friends and family, and posting their videos to help others.”

Each year, Project Teen Money features six students, two each from Madison’s East, La Follette and Memorial high schools, motivating their classmates to learn about money management. Through a video series, participants educate their peers with smart tips around giving, saving and spending money.

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

Eliza will attend the University of South Florida next year and plans to study education to become a teacher. “I have always wanted to be a teacher and can’t wait to further my knowledge at the University of South Florida,” said Eliza. “This scholarship from Summit will help me to pursue my passions throughout my college career and beyond.”

In addition to the $2,500 first place scholarship, each of the remaining five Project Teen Money participants received a $500 continuing education scholarship from Summit Credit Union. To learn more about Summit’s annual Project Teen Money program, visit .

Pictured (left to right): Melanie Ruelas, La Follette High School Branch Manager; Darrin Graham, La Follette High School Business/Marketing Education Teacher; Chris Schell, Summit Credit Union Chief Marketing Officer; Eliza Kuhlow, $2,500 scholarship winner; Sean Storch, La Follette High School Principal.