AUBURN – With April again proclaimed by Gov. John Baldacci as Financial Literacy for Youth Month, the Norm Nolette Chapter of Credit Unions, with support from the Jeannette G. Morin Chapter of Credit Unions, held the Sixth annual Financial Fitness Money Management Experience at Central Maine Community College on April 1.

Nearly 140 students from nine area high schools attended. Participating schools included Elan High School, Mt. Ararat High School, Oak Hill High School, Poland Academy, St. Dominic Regional High School, Edward Little High School, Oxford Christian Academy, Leavitt Area High School and Monmouth Academy.

The experience is a half-day event during which students check in and receive a scenario packet of their life at age 22, which includes their occupations, income and credit history. From there, students map out their financial future from financing their housing to purchasing food and clothing.

Jon Paradise, governmental and public affairs manager for the Maine Credit Union League and the event’s Master of Ceremonies, said the experience is an effort to help students understand the importance of making smart financial decisions in a difficult financial climate.

“With the troubled economy on the minds of many, there couldn’t be a better time to educate students on the importance of being financially fit,” he said.

“These students are preparing to enter the real world, be it through applying to college or joining the work force. It is critical that they gain a strong understanding of money and how to spend and save. The interactive nature of this event allows them to do just that,” he said.

Representatives from Atlantic Regional FCU, Five County CU, Lisbon Community FCU, Midcoast FCU, Central Maine FCU, Community CU, Great Falls FCU, Lewiston Municipal FCU, Maine Family FCU, Monmouth FCU, Otis FCU, Oxford FCU, R.C.H. FCU, Rainbow FCU, Sabattus Regional CU and the Maine Credit Union League helped organize the event.

From April 19 to 25, Maine credit unions will participate in the annual Maine CU Youth Week, which promotes youth financial education. Visit www.mainecul.org for more information.