UW Credit Union Introduces Free College-Credit Financial Literacy Course for High Schoolers

MADISON, Wis. (August 3, 2026) – UW Credit Union will subsidize a three-credit personal finance course for eligible Wisconsin high school students through a new collaboration with its longtime campus banking partner, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UW-Green Bay). 

Beginning this spring, sponsored UW Credit Union members can take “Introduction to Personal Finance” (FIN 182) at no cost and earn transferable credits for their college of choice. The new initiative, dubbed "Dual Credit, Zero Debt," was co-developed in response to the Wisconsin Act 60 mandate, which requires a standalone financial literacy class for public high school students to graduate. The asynchronous, online format of FIN 182 enables students to easily integrate this course into study hall or after-school schedules, completing coursework at their convenience.

"While free financial literacy resources exist, they rarely offer direct college credit," said Erin Bykowski, community impact and financial education manager at UW Credit Union. ""Dual Credit, Zero Debt" bridges this gap by combining essential life skills with academic advancement. Early education, especially in today's fast-paced digital world, can provide a solid foundation for wealth-building habits while boosting money management confidence.”

The course arrives at a critical juncture for today's youth, who face increasingly complex financial landscapes early in life. FIN 182 students navigate a systematic process to evaluate their personal financial situations, set goals and design actionable financial plans. The comprehensive curriculum covers cash management and budgeting, credit management, insurance, employee benefits, long-term savings, investments, tax planning and identity theft protection. 

“This unique partnership introduces students to higher-level coursework before they immerse themselves in college life," said Madeline VanGroll, director of advancement and donor relations at UW-Green Bay." It intentionally coincides with when students are beginning to manage finances for the first time, while juggling employment, and, for some, eventual name, image, and likeness (NIL) payments. The UW Credit Union sponsorship allows us to meet more students exactly where they are, while saving their families approximately $600."

Last week, UW Credit Union shared a preview of the personal finance course with Wendy Bauman, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, during a scheduled visit to the credit union's Madison headquarters. The collaborative exchange centered on Wisconsin's financial landscape, including the unfunded Act 60 mandate.

The semester-long course begins Jan. 27 and runs through May 14. To be considered for sponsorship, UW Credit Union members can fill out a simple online interest form beginning today at www.uwcu.org/personal-finance-course. The sponsorship application deadline is Sept. 30, 2026. Course space is limited. Once initial seats are filled, a waitlist will be created.

Students eligible for course sponsorship must be current UW Credit Union members enrolled at a Wisconsin-based school for grades 9-12, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants will be notified on or before Oct. 16 by the UW-Green Bay Dual Enrollment Access Academy team if selected for sponsorship.

For more information on eligibility requirements, coursework and credit union sponsorship, please visit www.uwcu.org/personal-finance-course

About UW Credit Union

UW Credit Union is a growing, federally insured financial institution and a leading provider of a full range of financial services to University of Wisconsin communities, including on-campus banking services at six UW campuses. UW Credit Union’s more than 900 employees serve the financial needs of 385,000 members through world-class technology systems and a convenient network of 36 branch locations and more than 100 ATMs. With over $6 billion in assets, UW Credit Union is ranked nationally among the leading credit unions. Founded more than 90 years ago by members of the University of Wisconsin faculty and staff, UW Credit Union continues to operate as a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative with locations in the Madison, Milwaukee, Stevens Point, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Whitewater, and La Crosse areas. UW Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Lender.

About the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,519 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 101,000 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. Featuring the region’s only Division-1 athletics, The Weidner performing arts center, campus locations in Green Bay, Manitowoc and Sheboygan, and a theatre in Marinette, the University’s access mission welcomes all who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest growing UW. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.