The Berenstain Bears® Financial Literacy Program  – General Information

There have been many milestones in the rich history of Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union and its Foundation. The most recent being the announcement on April 23, 2013 of an exclusive partnership with Berenstain Enterprises, Inc. and ribbon cutting to a Financial Literacy Center, Bear Country Credit Union.

The Berenstain Bears series of children’s books features a family of bears learning a life lesson in each story. Bear Country Credit Union is an eleven hundred square-foot Financial Literacy Center, located at FMFCU corporate offices in Broomall, that creates a hands-on, interactive experience for young children to learn about money.

“FMFCU and our Foundation have educated children for over a decade on the importance of making smart financial decisions,” said President and CEO John Unangst. “This unique partnership led to the development of The Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program and building of a learning center where children can understand money.”

As part of the experience, kindergarten through third-grade students receive a visit at their school from an FMFCU Foundation educator. The visit includes a reading of The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble with Money.

Sometime after, students take a school field trip to an FMFCU branch and then explore Bear Country Credit Union. It is here children learn concepts of Save, Spend, and Share by assuming roles of bear tellers, Member Relationship Advisors, and branch manager for an impactful learning experience.

Mike Berenstain, author and illustrator of The Berenstain Bears series, is excited at the opening of Bear Country Credit Union and partnership with FMFCU.

“The Berenstain Bears have entertained and educated children worldwide,” he commented. “Teaming up with FMFCU to better educate young children about financial literacy gives our family of friendly bears an exciting new way to help kids learn, grow, and thrive.”

Since debuting in 1962, The Berenstain Bears book series has grown to over 300 titles, selling 300 million copies in 23 languages. The Berenstain Bears franchise has also expanded beyond books, encompassing two television series and a variety of other products and licenses.

Building upon this new partnership and Financial Literacy Center, FMFCU Will begin offering The Berenstain Bears Cub Account in July.  This account is for children up to age 10 and comes with a free piggy bank, The Berenstain Bears Trouble With Money book, membership card, and two opportunities to have the Credit Union match a deposit.

“The Cub Account is an ideal tool for parents to begin teaching their sons and daughters the art of saving,” said Rick Durante, Vice President of Education.  “FMFCU created a fun account for kids that also gets them in the habit of saving.”

Re-published from Choices® Magazine 2013 Special Edition

The Berenstain Bears® Copyright, Berenstain Enterprises, Inc. 2015.