More than 80 senior-level economics students at Leon High School gained hands-on money management experience April 2 as First Commerce Credit Union and the FCCU Foundation kicked off Financial Literacy Month.

As the nonprofit arm of First Commerce, the FCCU Foundation focuses on fostering financial literacy for all age groups across North Florida and South Georgia. At Leon High, the Foundation led an interactive, game-style Financial Fitness Fair designed to help students build strong financial fundamentals as young adults.

During the Financial Fitness Fair, students received fictional identities that came with simulated real-world expenses, including transportation, housing, groceries, entertainment and childcare. Students rotated through a series of stations representing different expense categories, working one-on-one with First Commerce financial professionals to navigate budgeting decisions tied to each.

First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison staffed one of the stations, talking with students and advising them on hypothetical budget choices. She said the experience encouraged students to think critically about financial decisions in a safe, supportive environment.

“It’s really exciting because you can start to see them thinking, ‘Hey, I get to make these choices,’ and wanting to be in control,” Homison said after the event. “At the same time, the reality starts to sink in as they see how quickly costs add up and how their job and family situation influence the choices they can make.”

As part of the visit, First Commerce also presented Leon High School with a $1,000 check to support campus beautification efforts by planting new trees. The trees serve as a lasting symbol of the growth and opportunity fostered through financial education initiatives like the Financial Fitness Fair.

Leon High School Assistant Principal Linda John said the Financial Fitness Fair delivers practical lessons students can carry with them long after graduation.

“We truly appreciate you being here today and not only investing in Leon High School, but also investing in financial literacy in our community,” John said following the event.

Members of First Commerce’s volunteer Board of Directors also participated alongside credit union team members, reinforcing the board’s commitment to financial education and community impact.

Alan Neubauer, chairman of the First Commerce Board of Directors, said the event helps prepare students for the financial realities they will face after graduation.

“The goal is to have fun while empowering generations of families to achieve their financial aspirations,” Neubauer said. “These students will soon be navigating the real world, and this gives them valuable perspective on what everyday costs look like and how quickly they add up.”

Board member Shonda Knight, a Leon High School graduate, said the Financial Fitness Fair showcases the credit union’s mission in action.

“As we celebrate the FCCU Foundation’s 10th anniversary alongside First Commerce’s 85th anniversary, we’re incredibly proud that our team members have contributed more than 25,000 volunteer hours empowering generations to achieve their financial aspirations,” Knight said.

The April 2 event reflects First Commerce’s growing commitment to financial education. In 2025, more than 4,000 people of all ages participated in FCCU Foundation financial fitness fairs and customized learning experiences offered throughout the region.

First Commerce and the FCCU Foundation are providing the communities they serve with financial literacy content, lessons, resources and tools throughout Financial Literacy Month in April, all of which are accessible at FirstCommerceCU.org/FLM2026.