As part of a grant awarded to Junior Achievement-USA, JA-Rocky Mountain received funds from TransUnion to support student outreach during the 2017/18 school year. In addition to funding, TransUnion professionals rolled up their sleeves to work directly with young people, and helped students in elementary through high school grades understand the importance of money management and the nuances of credit, debt and investing.

At JA Finance Park, for example, six TransUnion professionals volunteered in November to guide middle and high school students through the process of developing and managing a personal budget. Students faced choices regarding how to allocate limited household resources to meet the needs of a family, considering everything from housing and transportation costs,  to childcare and utilities.

TransUnion professionals also volunteered at Brown International Academy in Denver on Dec. 8, teaching JA lessons to kindergarten, first and third grade classes.

“Spending my volunteer time off with Junior Achievement was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had while volunteering,” said TransUnion professional Natalie Spears. “The day was well organized, the staff was great and the training I received helped me tremendously. I feel like I really made an impact on the financial future of the students I worked with, and plan to continue to volunteer with JA!”

While TransUnion employees may have enjoyed their time at Brown International Academy, teachers certainly enjoyed having them.

“We had our best JA in a Day ever,” shared Third Grade Teacher Kate Tynan-Ridgeway.  Evan from TransUnion was amazing! He has kids of his own, had done his homework and seemed to really enjoy my class. I appreciate this special learning opportunity and TransUnion’s support of our students.”

TransUnion believes in using information for good and continuing to seek ways to help advance financial inclusion through their position as a global leader in information solutions. They’re committed to providing credit education and financial tools to help empower consumers to manage their credit wisely. Products and services empower consumers to take control of their credit and protect themselves against identity fraud. TransUnion also provides businesses with the solutions and information they need to make fair, informed and intelligent decisions about extending credit.