BestPrep is proud to partner with Wings Credit Union to help students build financial knowledge and career readiness. Wings employees support students across multiple BestPrep programs, volunteering as Financial Matters speakers, Classroom Plus mock interviewers, Minnesota Business Venture Resident Business Leaders and breakout speakers, and Educational Forum essay judges. Through these experiences, Wings volunteers share real-world insights that help students better understand money management and future career opportunities.
Recently, Wings reached a significant milestone with its merge with Ent Credit Union. The merger aims to expand resources, enhance technology and digital banking, and strengthen community investment while continuing to serve members across Minnesota. With greater combined resources, the organization is positioned to broaden its impact both financially and educationally.
A key part of that impact is the Bite of Reality® simulation, an interactive financial education experience supported by the Wings Financial Foundation. In this hands-on experience, students are randomly assigned a career, monthly income, credit score, and family situation. Using Bite of Reality®, they navigate stations where they make real-world financial decisions such as housing, transportation, insurance, and daily expenses while managing unexpected costs. This immersive experience helps students understand financial trade-offs, build budgeting skills, and gain confidence in making informed financial decisions.
[Student participating in Wings Credit Union’s Bite of Reality® simulation. Photo credit: Sergio Meyer.]
BestPrep is grateful for Wings Credit Union’s partnership and dedication to empowering students. With new board member Andrea Hanlon joining leadership, Wings’ commitment to financial education remains stronger than ever.