LOWELL, Mass. – Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union is joining the fight against financial illiteracy. JDCU Assistant Treasurer/ High School Branch Administrator Kathryn Dame will be working with Girls, Inc., a national non-profit youth organization committed to preparing girls to lead productive, independent, and rewarding lives. Once a week, participants will attend the High School Financial Planning Program, a public service program sponsored by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), to learn how to take control of their finances. The program, composed of unique games, simulations, and interactive exercises, teaches the students to develop a budget, keep track of their income/spending in order to stay within their budget, and understand the costs of credit borrowing. With help from NEFE in partnership with CUNA and a number of cooperative extension services, JDCU has supplied students and teachers with complimentary course materials. "One of the main obligations associated with all credit unions is to assist the community in becoming financially educated and prepared for the future. This valuable money management stems from self-disciplined behavior, which is most easily mastered when learned early in life. JDCU employees are always eager to help members of all ages with their financial problem solving," said JDCU President/CEO Paul Mayotte.