TopLine Equips Students With Key Money Management Skills

MAPLE GROVE, MN--(Marketwired - February 17, 2016) - TopLine recently teamed up with Anoka-Hennepin Technical High School (formerly Crossroads -- West Campus) to help students build their financial knowledge through hands-on financial literacy workshops.

Anoka-Hennepin Technical High School, located in Minnesota's north metro area in the Anoka-Hennepin School District, helps non-traditional students ages 18-21 obtain their high school diploma while earning college credit at the same time. Students have full access to the Technical College classes and resources. It's believed to be the first of its kind in the state, and being on the campus of Anoka Technical College allows students to explore careers and gain technical training. District leaders hoped to have 100 students. So far this year, more than 140 students have signed up.

Nearly thirty students, ages 18-21, participated in two financial education sessions hosted by TopLine, while continuing to complete their high school requirements. Anoka-Hennepin Technical High School creates an environment that honors and invites students of diverse backgrounds to be part of an inclusive learning community.

To compliment the high school's rigorous diploma program, TopLine Federal Credit Union conducted financial literacy workshops emphasizing how to manage personal finances. The workshops were split into two sessions to cover several areas of focus, such as learning about the difference between credit unions and banks, what is gross vs. net income, goal setting; how to budget, how to make saving a habit, how to use checking accounts and debit cards, how to manage credit wisely and what is a credit score. TopLine's session also outlined for students which kinds of accounts to open, what questions should be asked when opening accounts, and how to protect personal information to avoid identity theft.

"It's great to be able to tap a local credit union partner to help assist with covering the basics of personal finance," said Patricia Halsey, Teacher at Anoka Technical High School. "Personal finance can be complex, so knowing I have help by engaging an outside expert reinforces the concepts that I teach as well as adds expertise to the curriculum that students wouldn't normally experience, which is so important when helping these young adults develop good money management skills."

"We are delighted to partner with this unique program that enables young adults to pursue their diploma while also planning for their future college pursuits and careers," said Tom Smith, TopLine Federal Credit Union President and CEO President. "TopLine is committed to helping all individuals financially succeed, and our opportunity to share the importance of basic financial skills, especially with young adults, helps to build the next generation of financially knowledgeable consumers."

Anoka-Hennepin Technical High School, opened its doors for fall semester 2015, is the only diploma completion program in Minnesota designed just for 18-21 year olds. The program's goal is to provide college and career readiness skills to students while they complete high school diploma requirements. The one-of-a-kind program enables young adults to receive an Anoka-Hennepin School District diploma, earn college credit, and gain career and technical training with their peers. The new location at Anoka Technical College will also give students access to more classes, more opportunities and more people their own age. For more information visit http://anokahennepin.schoolwires.net/domain/6804.

TopLine Federal Credit Union , a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesota's 13^th largest, with assets of more than $375 million. Established in 1935, the not-for- profit cooperative offers a complete line of financial services, as well as auto and home insurance, from its five branch locations -- in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Plymouth and in St. Paul's Como Park -- as well as by phone, mobile app and online at www.TopLinecu.com. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington Counties and their immediate family members.

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