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, students learn about modern financial concepts. These skills are rarely taught in schools anymore, even though they 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 student 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 series students 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

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 students

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

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Subscribe on Google Podcasts
Follow us on Stitcher
Follow us on Spotify

2023 Independent Advantage Calendar

Use the calendar below to find a class for your student 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.

October 2023

In-Person Instruction**

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

October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th

Sign-Up for October (In-Person)

Virtual (via Zoom)

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

October 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th 

Sign-Up for October (Zoom) 

November 2023

In-Person Instruction**

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

November 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th

Sign-Up November (In-Person)

Virtual (via Zoom)

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

November 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th

Sign-Up for November (Zoom) 

*In-person courses are subject to CDC guidelines. If necessary, these courses may be rescheduled to meet virtually.
**In-person classes will be taught at our Burbank branch.

Classes are free. Students must open a savings account with the Credit Union before the first course.