Photo courtesy Andrews Federal Credit Union
The new youth financial literacy initiative provides financial education and hands-on learning experiences for a group of 10 high school students from communities served by Andrews Federal.
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Andrews Federal Credit Union Launches Inaugural Youth Financial Literacy Program With Support From Credit Union Industry Foundation Grants
By NATALIE TATE
Andrews Federal Credit Union
SUITLAND, Md. (July 28, 2026)—Andrews Federal Credit Union launched its inaugural youth financial literacy initiative, “Make It My Life: Real World Money Empowerment Experience.” This new program, funded by credit union foundation grants, was designed to equip high school students with practical financial knowledge and life skills that will prepare them for future success.
The program provides financial education and hands-on learning experiences for a group of 10 high school students from communities served by Andrews Federal. During the program’s four sessions, students will gain hands-on knowledge in budgeting, credit, fraud prevention, financial responsibility, career development and other essential topics that extend beyond the classroom and will empower them to make strong financial decisions in real-world scenarios.
“Our credit union team designed this program to give young people the knowledge and confidence to take control of their financial futures,” said Damita Robinson, Chief Operating Officer for Andrews Federal Credit Union. “As students complete the program, they will gain both practical skills they can use immediately and a stronger understanding of how today’s financial decisions can shape tomorrow’s opportunities.”
During the course of the program, students will learn directly from Andrews Federal professionals. These subject matter experts will share practical insights from their careers while leading discussions on financial wellness, fraud prevention, risk management and everyday money management.
The credit union built this program using funding received from two credit union industry grants, the Vizo Financial Empowerment Grant and the Financial Literacy Grant. As part of the grant funding, each student participant will receive a personal tablet to use during the program. They will also be allowed to keep the table following the completion of the program, which will help to bridge technology gaps and support continued learning.
Founded in 1948, Andrews Federal Credit Union has grown to serve more than 155,000 members in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and military installations in central Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. For more information about Andrews Federal, visit andrewsfcu.org.
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Local Nonprofit Launches Student-Athlete Education Seminar to Help Families Navigate College Sports Scholarships
By PRESS OFFICER
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Event Information
NEXT PLAY:
The Blueprint to Earning College Sports Scholarship Opportunities
Date: Friday, August 14, 2026, 7–9 p.m.
Location: First Baptist Church of Glenarden Community Life Center,
600-J Watkins Park Dr, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
Audience: Student-athletes (Ages 8–18), parents, guardians, coaches, and educators
Registration:
www.WorldAcademicSportsTeam.com
Click the yellow button.
Admission is $30 per adult, and each registered adult may bring up to two student-athletes at no additional cost.
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WAST Academy
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (July 28, 2026)—The World Academic Sports Team (WAST) Academy is inviting middle and high school students and their families to attend “NEXT PLAY: The Blueprint to Earning College Sports Scholarship Opportunities,” an educational seminar designed to help families better understand today’s rapidly changing college athletics landscape.
The seminar will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2026, and is designed for student-athletes ages 8–18, parents, guardians, coaches, and educators who want to learn how academics, athletic development, character, and long-term planning work together to create opportunities beyond high school.
With significant changes occurring across NCAA athletics—including recruiting practices, roster management, transfer opportunities, and scholarship availability—many families are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate the path toward college athletics. WAST Academy aims to provide practical, reliable information that helps families make informed decisions early in a student’s academic and athletic journey.
Participants will learn about:
• College sports scholarship opportunities
• NCAA, NAIA, and junior college pathways
• Academic eligibility requirements
• What college coaches are looking for
• Common recruiting misconceptions
• Developing a long-term scholarship strategy beginning in middle school
• Resources available to support student-athletes and their families
“Our mission is to ensure that every family has access to accurate information about the college recruiting process,” said Coach Hawk, founder of World Academic Sports Team (WAST) Academy. “Too many students miss opportunities simply because they don’t know what steps to take or when to take them. We want to empower families with knowledge before important opportunities pass them by.”
Admission is $30 per adult, and each registered adult may bring up to two student-athletes at no additional cost.
Proceeds from the event support WAST Academy’s mission of providing educational resources, scholarship readiness programs, and financial assistance to underserved student-athletes throughout Prince George’s County and surrounding communities.
World Academic Sports Team (WAST) Academy is a Maryland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping student-athletes achieve success in the classroom, in competition, and in life. Through educational classes, parent seminars, mentoring, leadership development, and scholarship readiness programs, WAST Academy equips young people with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for college sports scholarships and future careers.
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