AUBURN – With April again being proclaimed by Gov. John Baldacci as Financial Literacy for Youth Month, a credit union-coordinated event drew more than 150 students from seven high schools in central Maine at the fourth annual Financial Fitness Money Management Experience on April 4 at the Central Maine Community College.

In its four years, the event has attracted nearly 700 students and received three consecutive national awards for youth financial education.

The following schools participated in this year’s event: Edward Little High School, Monmouth Academy, Poland Regional High School, St. Dominic Regional High School, Lisbon High School, Leavitt Area High School and Oxford Hills Christian Academy

The experience was created to address the need for increased financial literacy in Maine schools and the lack of understanding that many teens experience with regard to their personal finances.

The half-day event is unique because it allows students to consider a serious issue in a fun way. Students are asked to participate in an interactive “game of life,” in which they map out what their financial future would be at the age of 22, according to a scenario packet that they receive, which determines their occupation, income and credit history. Students then have the task of creating a spending plan according to their income and expenses.

Representatives from the Norm Nolette Chapter of Credit Unions, the Maine Credit Union League, the Maine Council on Economic Education and Central Maine Community College have helped to organize the Financial Fitness Money Management Experience.

The event also marked the beginning of a month-long list of activities coordinated by Maine’s credit unions as part of Baldacci’s proclamation. Visit www.mainecul.org for more information.