State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) recently helped North Carolina’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) reach 3,900 NC middle and high school students, encouraging youth leadership and success. SECU staff provided financial workshops, “real world” exercises, and competition judging at NC’s 2012 DECA Conference and the 2012 FBLA State Leadership Conference, both held in Greensboro, NC.
Partnerships with North Carolina’s FBLA and DECA organizations provide the Credit Union opportunities to participate in a variety of student business competitions and reality fair activities to better prepare students for life beyond the classroom. NC FBLA is an integral part of North Carolina’s Business Education Program, which serves over 135,000 students. It provides students with leadership opportunities as well as a means to compete with other students at regional, state and national conferences. 8,700 NC middle and high schoolers are members of NC FBLA. Represented by 50 SECU personnel from 27 branches, the Credit Union helped approximately 1,900 students who were entered in 68 of FBLA’s recent competitive events.
DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program offers opportunities for classroom activities that connect instruction to college and careers. The programs integrate into classroom instruction and connect to business, while promoting competition within the areas of marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Over 2,000 students attended this year’s DECA Conference where 25 SECU volunteers from 15 branches assisted with events.
Roy Allen, an SECU Advisory Board volunteer in Archdale serves as FBLA judge organizer. He notes, “FBLA sincerely appreciates SECU’s involvement and contributions to state conferences. Credit Union representatives have played a vital role in the success of these events and we are thankful for their assistance.”
Jimmy Goodrum, SECU Senior Vice President in High Point has served as a volunteer at FBLA and DECA events for many years. He responds, “Helping North Carolina’s students through our involvement with these programs is extremely rewarding. I am amazed by the talent and skills possessed by the youth who participate in the competitions. I know we have seen many who will become great future business leaders, both in our State and beyond.”