Team members teach financial education to prep teens for successful futures

Team members teach financial education to prep teens for successful futures

According to research firm Big Village, only 31% of students across the U.S. have access to financial education, yet 68% say they would take a financial education class if it were available. Junior Achievement reaches more than 4.4 million students annually. Through volunteer dedication, JA inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy through education and experiential learning. Synovus team members Julia Allen and Sassa Cole share their experiences volunteering with JA to teach students how to make smart financial decisions.

Julia Allen

Since 2021, Julia Allen has served as a Synovus Here Matters Champion, which is comprised of selected team members who organize volunteer opportunities. From her Charleston, South Carolina, Synovus Meeting Street office, she coordinates events for other team members to get involved with JA.

"Some of my favorite memories in Charleston have been volunteering with my team," the community bank and wealth services business analyst says.

Service and education play a significant role in Allen's life from the examples set by her family. "The education field has been a major part of my life and upbringing, especially coming from a family of educators," she says.

Teaching financial education to teenagers allows her to continue her family's legacy. Allen expresses her love of JA for their purpose of teaching children how to build better, financially sound futures before they are in the real world.

Allen taught a six-week course at JA of Greater South Carolina to local eighth-grade students, coordinated 14-20 team members for multiple JA in a Day events and created a financial education game called "Lights, Camera, Budget" that First Tee students played at Synovus' 2023 Day of Service.

"Since high school, being involved in the community has been important to me. At first, it was a requirement, but it turned into an aspect of my life I prioritize," she adds. Her volunteerism also includes Angel Flight Soars, Habitat for Humanity, leading First Tee financial education and skills sessions and participating in American Heart Association Heart Walk fundraisers.

"I've blended my passion for giving back with my skills and strengths. I love organizing events or projects, being with others and making an impact in our community. I want to use my skills to help others, whether behind the scenes or in front of an audience," she says.

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