APCO Credit Union Partners with Citizens of Georgia Power for ‘Bite of Reality: Budgeting and Saving Hometown Heroes’ to Teach Financial Literacy

APCO Employees Credit Union partnered with the General Office Chapter of Citizens of Georgia Power to host a financial literacy event for 8th grade students at Atlanta’s Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy.

The event was designed to be both educational and engaging, featuring dynamic presentations and interactive simulations. Students learned about essential financial concepts such as income, expenses, saving, and budgeting, all while navigating real-world financial scenarios.  

Amanda Iwuogo, 1st Vice President of the General Office Chapter of Citizens of Georgia Power, along with 2nd Vice President, Amber Sylvain, led a group dance to energize students for the day. They then introduced featured speakers: Atlanta Councilmember, Byron Amos; Georgia Power External Affairs Manager, Reginal Roby; and Joi Hunter with Atlanta Public Schools.  

Following the presentations, students experienced a ‘Bite of Reality’ through a virtual financial simulation. Using the Bite of Reality app, the students stepped into the shoes of an adult for a day. They received fictional personas with specific occupations, incomes, credit scores, families, and debt obligations. Students then made decisions on purchasing necessities such as food, housing, transportation, and childcare. The simulation offered a safe and accessible environment for students to practice their financial literacy and assess their financial decisions, preparing them for real-world financial responsibilities in the future.

“As soon as Amanda reached out with the idea to host a financial literacy event, we knew we couldn’t wait to support their team and the volunteer community within Georgia Power,” said Caitlin Brothers, APCO Employees Credit Union Business Development Officer. “Bite of Reality events provide students with a unique opportunity to learn budgeting skills outside the traditional classroom setting. These events make financial literacy engaging and enjoyable, allowing students to interact with their peers and teachers in a social environment. The simulation lays the groundwork for future financial success by fostering sound spending judgment and demonstrating that money management, while essential, can be straightforward and manageable.”  

To end the day, Roby delivered closing remarks and a surprise finale. Thanks to the Workplace Enablement team led by Sunni Blake, each student was gifted a Microsoft Surface Pro to take home, along with school supplies and a piggy bank to help them begin their savings journey. Following the event, Iwuogo remarked, “We’re super excited for students to be able to take the life skills they learned today out into the real-world.” Amber Sylvain added, “Each of us plays an important role in empowering the next generation, and we are honored to have had the opportunity to serve the 8th grade class here at Hollis.”

When asked about the event, one Hollis Innovation Academy student said, “With the team and staff from Georgia Power I learned about how to save and how to budget.” The student added, “It was extremely fun, and I would do it again.”  

Watch the video below for a recap of the event. Thank you to all the volunteers, teachers, and administrators that made this event possible!

Photos provided by Stephen Dennis with Atlanta Public Schools. Video provided by APCO Employees Credit Union.