First Financial Federal Credit Union (FFFCU) Limitless Leaders jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the first ever in-person pilot of the JA Finance Park program on March 2 with students from Lansdowne Middle School. The JA Finance Park is Junior Achievement of Central Maryland’s program that allows middle and high school students to practice personal financial planning and career exploration.

During the volunteer opportunity, FFFCU Limitless Leaders helped Lansdowne Middle School students navigate an interactive budgeting simulation. The Limitless Leaders, First Financial’s young professionals group, served in storefronts that each represented major line items in a budget, such as housing, utilities, food, etc. Students were assigned a random ‘life situation’ with an education level, salary, and family scenario. The students visited each storefront where they were encouraged to make financial decisions within their assigned means.

“The JA Finance Park program is an opportunity for students to begin to imagine what their futures hold, and First Financial helped the program come to life,” said Diane Pearson, Manager of Volunteer Services at JA of Central Maryland. “Volunteers really are at the heart of what we do, and they offer our students insight, perspective, and leadership for an amazing day at our facility.”

First Financial’s Limitless Leaders, founded in 2022, are the credit union’s emerging professionals who participate in professional development activities, networking events, and volunteering opportunities.

“At First Financial, we know that volunteering, providing financial education, and giving back makes our community stronger,” stated Tim Brown, Limitless Leaders Chair.  “We were thrilled to work with the Lansdowne Middle students and honored to be a part of this inaugural event at JA’s new Finance Park facility.”

First Financial’s Limitless Leaders pose in front of First Financial Federal Credit Union’s JA Finance Park storefront located in the Junior Achievement of Central Maryland building.