Independent Advantage

The Better Banking Class For Teens

The Independent Advantage program is a series of financial courses for high school students. In a relaxed and fun environment, IA students learn about modern financial concepts. These skills are critical to well-rounded adult life. Independent Advantage graduates are set up with real-world tools for real-world finances. 

Independent Advantage will educate your teen on:

  • Importance of credit and how to use it wisely
  • The value of a credit score and how to maintain it
  • How to create short and long-term financial goals
  • How to budget their money
  • Proper use of credit cards, debit cards, and electronic financial systems
  • How to maintain financial records and balance a checkbook
  • How to identify fraud and protect your accounts
  • AND SO MUCH MORE!

Independent Advantage graduates are set up with real world-tools for real-world finances. Upon completion of the courses, graduates receive:

  • Checking account with a free box of checks
  • Mastercard® debit card
  • Electronic access to their accounts
  • Opportunity to apply for a low-limit credit card (restrictions apply)*

But the benefits of Independent Advantage don't only come in the classroom. IA also provides:

  • Eligibility for Gaining Ground Scholarships for college
  • Merit Badge Certification for Boy Scouts of America
  • Merit Badge Certification for Girl Scouts of America
  • Ambassador programs in our local schools
  • Gain Internships for our NAF Business Academy students

* For more information about these restrictions contact our Independent Advantage Program Coordinators at 818-846-1710 extension 501. 

The Better Banking Podcast: Independent Advantage

This is just one episode of The Better Banking Podcast. Download all episodes to hear more!

The Better Banking Podcast

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Independent Advantage Calendar

Use the calendar below to find a class for your teen today!

Each course consists of four sessions spread over the course of four weeks. You can choose between in-person sessions at our Burbank branch or virtual sessions over Zoom. Please do not sign up for both in-person and virtual sessions for the same month as the same content will be covered in both venues.

Classes are free. Students must open a savings account with the Credit Union before the first course. Click here to open an IA savings account. 

November 2024

In-Person Instruction

Tuesdays (5:15 pm - 7:30 pm)

November 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

Sign-Up for November (In-Person)

Virtual (via Zoom)

Wednesdays (4:30pm - 6:30pm)

November 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

Sign-Up for November (Zoom) 

January 2025

In-Person Instruction

Tuesdays (5:15pm - 7:30pm)

January 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th

Sign-Up for January (In-Person)

Virtual Instruction (via Zoom)

Wednesday (4:30 pm - 6:30 pm)

January 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th  

Sign-Up for January (Zooml)

February 2025

In-Person Instruction

Tuesdays (5:15 pm - 7:30 pm)

February 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

Sign-Up for February (In-Person)

Virtual (via Zoom)

Wednesdays (4:30 pm - 6:30 pm)

February 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

Sign-Up for February (Zoom)

April 2025

In-Person Instruction

Tuesdays (5:15 pm - 7:30 pm)

April 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd

Sign-Up for April (In-Person)

Virtual (via Zoom)

Wednesdays (4:30 pm - 6:30 pm)

April 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd

Sign-Up for April (Zoom) 

June 2025

In-Person Instruction

Tuesdays (12:00 pm - 2:00 pm)

June 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th

Sign-Up for June (In-Person)

Virtual (via Zoom)

Wednesdays (4:30 pm - 6:30 pm)

June 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

Sign-Up for June (Zoom) 

July 2025

In-Person Instruction

Tuesdays (12:00 pm - 2:00 pm)

July 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th

Sign-Up for July (In-Person)

Virtual (via Zoom)

Wednesdays (4:30 pm - 6:30 pm)

July 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

Sign-Up for July (Zoom) 

September 2025

In-Person Instruction

Tuesdays (5:15 pm - 7:30 pm)

September 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

Sign-Up for September (In-Person)

Virtual (via Zoom)

Wednesdays (4:30 pm - 6:30 pm)

September  3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th

Sign-Up for September (Zoom)

October 2025

In-Person Instruction

Tuesdays (5:15 pm - 7:30 pm)

October 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th

Sign-Up for October (In-Person)

Virtual (via Zoom)

Wednesdays (4:30pm - 6:30pm)

October 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th

Sign-Up for October (Zoom) 

November 2025

In-Person Instruction

Tuesdays (5:15pm - 7:30pm)

November 4th, 10th, 18th, 25th

Sign-Up November (In-Person)

Virtual (via Zoom)

Wednesdays (4:30pm - 6:30pm)

November 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

Sign-Up for November (Zoom)