Community partners GFA Federal Credit Union and Mount Wachusett Community College recently announced the launch of the GFA Institute for Financial Literacy at MWCC.

The institute includes a series of financial workshops, online resources including articles, podcasts, financial checklists, calculators, self-led courses and budget management solutions. It is open to the entire community at no cost to participants.

"Over the past few years we've seen a great increase in the number of our members and people in the community seeking tools to aid in their understanding of financial topics," said Tina Sbrega, president/CEO of the Gardner, Mass.-based credit union.

"We are proud to partner with MWCC as they are known for providing quality education and being at the forefront in meeting the needs of our community. This partnership directly addresses one of those needs."

GFA has provided youth and adult financial education for more than 20 years and averages 170 financial presentations per year. In 2008 it expanded its outreach by adding a full time community education coordinator.