Summit Credit Union’s interactive competition offers scholarships, inspiration

MADISON, Wis.—Summit Credit Union has launched its fifth annual Project Teen Money program, a unique challenge created by the member-owned cooperative to help young adults be more financially empowered. Culminating in a $2,500 scholarship awarded to the winner, the competition is conducted through Summit’s in-school branches at Madison’s East, La Follette and Memorial high schools.

Two students from each high school have been selected to create videos that will educate and motivate their peers. Participants will create 30- to 90-second videos that encourage their peers to save more, spend smarter and give back to their communities. The videos for each topic will be featured on Summit’s website in February and March, and participants will use social media to engage their peers.

“Understanding how to manage money is a critical life skill,” said Summit Credit Union CEO & President Kim Sponem. “With support and guidance from Summit, Project Teen Money participants help their high school peers build good money habits early on, lessons which will serve them well their entire life.”

Fellow students, families and community members are encouraged to vote for their favorite videos. The winner will be selected based on votes for their videos as well as scoring by an independent panel. In addition to the $2,500 scholarship to the winning teen, all other participants will receive a $500 scholarship.

To cast votes and learn more about this year’s participants, visit summitcreditunion.com/project-teen-money/vote. The first video, detailing the importance of saving, is currently on Summit’s website and is open for voting.