321 Financial Liftoff Event Series
321 Financial Liftoff
Tackling today’s serious youth financial literacy crisis, Community Credit Union of Florida (CCU Florida), a member-owned, not for profit, financial cooperative on Florida’s east coast, debuted its “321 Financial Liftoff” educational series at Rockledge High School with 400 high school juniors, on March 21, 2022. This program provides the tools necessary to pave a path towards a successful financial future as students begin their independent financial journey. These events offer an engaging mix of discussions with a panel of local business owners and influencers connected to the Space Coast community, alongside CCU Florida financial experts. The events are enhanced with music, games, videos, and Q&A sessions, creating an interactive atmosphere. The goal is to inspire students
by fostering connections with the panelists, offering insights on how to achieve success, and providing valuable tips for navigating the challenges along the way. "321 is not just our area code on the Space Coast, but it also speaks to the importance of trying to make it simple and easy for youth to start their financial journey," said Laurie Cappelli, president of CCU Florida, in a statement. "Helping the next generation of Brevard County achieve their goals is top of mind for us."
What's Next for 321 Financial Liftoff?
March 6, 2025 - Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts, Melbourne, FL
We can't wait for our next event with even more high school students in attendance. We are excitedly working on the panel! More information will be coming soon.
Past Events
March 21, 2024 - Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts, Melbourne, FL
Credit union industry advocate Hilary Reed will be back to host, along with CCU Florida's Financial Education Manager, Mary Friday.
Panelists include:
- Dalton Smith, founder of NPI productions, adventurer, and adrenaline addict, based in Satellite Beach, Florida.
- Quinisha Bredwood, Owner of Cocoa Beach restaurant - Q's Crackin' Crab & Seafood
- Rushil Shah, West Shore Jr/Sr High student and President & Founder of Finance for Youth, Inc.
- Emily Zeck, Influencer, new business owner of Soul Arch Surf Club, Pineapple Girl Swimwear line, singer and songwriter
March 21, 2023 - Melbourne Auditorium, Melbourne FL. We hosted 800 students from four high schools in Brevard County - Cocoa High, Astronaut High, Palm Bay Magnet, and Space Coast Jr/Sr High. This event was hosted by social media influencer Kyrus Westcott and credit union industry advocate Hilary Reed. Panelists included:
- Benjamin Stern, the 23-year-old founder and CEO of Nohbo and former Shark Tank contestant, based in Melbourne, Florida.
- Dalton Smith, founder of NPI productions, adventurer, and adrenaline addict, based in Satellite Beach, Florida.
- Tinasha Dorsey, local business owner of Bling by Tinasha
October 18, 2022 - Florida Tech in the Gleason Auditorium
Panelists included:
- Dallas Peck, Certified Personal Trainer & Owner of Fitness with Dal P, LLC, Nationally Certified EMT
- Benjamin Stern, the 23-year-old founder and CEO of Nohbo and former Shark Tank contestant, based in Melbourne, Florida.
- Alyssa Carson, Influencer, Florida Tech Astrobiology student, aspiring astronaut, certified Aquanaut
- Lauren Ann Graham, Florida Tech graduate, NASA contractor, aspiring astronaut
September 13, 2022 - Eastern Florida State College, Melbourne Campus
Panelists included:
- Dallas Peck, Certified Personal Trainer & Owner of Fitness with Dal P, LLC, Nationally Certified EMT
- Alyssa Carson, Influencer, Florida Tech Astrobiology student, aspiring astronaut, certified Aquanaut
- Lauren Ann Graham, Florida Tech graduate, NASA contractor, aspiring astronaut
- Michael Cadore, EFSC Executive Director of Community Engagement for External Affairs, President/Founder of Magnus Solutions, Inc., Rockledge City Councilman, former pro football player
April 1, 2022 - Titusville High School (Financial Literacy Day)
Panelists included:
- Branden Sewell, Seal Pro Painting business owner
- J.T. Hassell, Influencer, Florida Tech football, NFL football player, Hassell Foundation
- Alyssa Carson, Influencer, Florida Tech Astrobiology student, aspiring astronaut, certified Aquanaut
- Tinasha Dorsey, local business owner of Bling by Tinasha
March 21, 2022 - Rockledge High School
Panelists included:
- Emily Zeck, Influencer, Pineapple Girl Swimwear line, singer and songwriter
- Alyssa Carson, Influencer, Florida Tech Astrobiology student, aspiring astronaut, certified Aquanaut
- J.T. Hassell, Influencer, Florida Tech football, NFL football player, Hassell Foundation
321 in the News!
When serving the community through providing financial literacy and engaging activities, people are going to start taking notice! Check out some of the articles below to get a genuine feel of how our youth feels when armed with financial literacy
The Offerings
- Student and free Checking Plus accounts that have no minimum balance, no deposit requirements or monthly fees
- When opening a free Checking Plus/debit account, new members receive $100 and can continue to earn $70 for any new account referral with no cap. In addition, they can also earn up to 2.5% APY on the first $10,000*
- A five-star rated mobile banking app, the ability to receive one's paycheck a day earlier with direct deposit, as well as our Debit Card RoundUp Savings Program enabling one to save automatically
A Positive Impact
"We are dedicated to having a positive impact on the Space Coast and providing the resources and education to empower the future of our community," Cappelli continued. "Regardless of age, everyone deserves a financial institution that is accessible, convenient, and, most importantly, can understand their individual needs and be there every step of the way. We are here to lift them up; 321 Financial Liftoff events are a great way to engage and help the next generation build a solid foundation for the years to come."
321 Event Videos
What is the difference between a credit union and bank?
