Craven Community College and SECU Team Up for Student Financial Literacy Event

October 27, 2026 - 05:39

Craven Community College is working with State Employees' Credit Union to help students build stronger money skills through its annual Reality of Money event, scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, in New Bern.

The hands-on simulation gives students a realistic look at the financial decisions they will face after graduation. Participants receive a fictional salary and a credit score, then work through a series of stations covering rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, and unexpected expenses. Volunteers from the credit union and the college guide students as they balance their budgets and see how small choices can add up over time.

Organizers say the goal is to make financial concepts concrete before students leave campus. Many young adults learn about budgeting, credit, and saving only after they are already managing real bills, which can lead to costly mistakes. By practicing those decisions in a low-stakes setting, students can ask questions and adjust their approach without risking their actual finances.

The event is open to Craven Community College students and will run throughout the morning and early afternoon at the college's New Bern campus. SECU representatives will also be available to answer questions about accounts, credit building, and saving strategies. College staff encourage students to attend, even if they feel confident about money management, because the simulation often reveals gaps in planning that are easy to overlook.

Space is limited, and students who want to take part should register in advance through the college. Faculty members are also welcome to bring classes to the event as a supplement to coursework in business, personal finance, and life skills.