Athletech Academy and MSU Federal Credit Union Partner to Empower Detroit Youth Through Financial Education

New partnership combines the power of sport with hands-on financial education to help Detroit students build financial confidence, strengthen decision-making, and unlock greater economic opportunity.

DETROIT — Athletech Academy today announced a new partnership with Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) that will expand future-ready learning opportunities for Detroit youth by integrating financial empowerment into the organization's growing portfolio of workforce development experiences.

As Athletech Academy continues advancing its mission to prepare young people for the future of work, the partnership recognizes financial confidence and economic mobility as essential skills alongside AI literacy, career readiness, leadership, and human-centered competencies. Together, Athletech Academy and MSUFCU will provide students with practical experiences that strengthen financial decision-making and help prepare them for lifelong success.

Under the agreement, MSUFCU will serve as Athletech Academy's Official Financial Empowerment Partner, supporting a series of interactive learning experiences throughout the 2026–2027 academic year that equip students with the knowledge, confidence, and decision-making skills to build long-term financial well-being.

Sport captures a young person's attention — but it's what we teach through sport that has the power to change a life," said Chloe Barnes-Henderson, Founder and Executive Director of Athletech Academy. At Athletech Academy, we use the power of sport to engage students in learning skills they'll use for the rest of their lives. Financial empowerment is one of those essential workforce skills. By connecting money management, decision-making, and long-term planning to the sports experiences students already know and love, we're making learning more relevant, engaging, and impactful. We're proud to partner with MSUFCU to help equip Detroit's next generation with the confidence to build brighter futures."

Through three immersive learning experiences beginning this fall, students will explore practical topics including budgeting and saving, banking fundamentals, financial decision-making, identity theft and fraud prevention, and the real-world costs of independent living. Rather than traditional classroom instruction, each experience is designed to be highly interactive, encouraging students to apply concepts through simulations, collaborative activities, and real-life scenarios.

The partnership reflects Athletech Academy's broader educational philosophy: preparing students not only for graduation, but for meaningful careers in an increasingly technology-driven economy. By integrating financial empowerment alongside career exploration, AI literacy, and leadership development, Athletech Academy continues to create experiences that help students build practical skills, expand their confidence, and unlock future opportunities.

“Since Athletech Academy's launch, we've been inspired by the organization's vision for preparing young people through innovative, career-connected education," said Rebecca Surian, Vice President of University Relations, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. "MSUFCU believes financial confidence creates opportunity, and we're excited to partner with Athletech Academy to help students develop the knowledge, habits, and decision-making skills that support lifelong success."

As Athletech Academy continues expanding programming across Detroit, strategic partnerships like MSUFCU strengthen the organization's ability to deliver high-impact learning experiences that prepare students for success both inside and outside the classroom. Together, the organizations are investing in a generation of young people equipped not only to participate in the future economy — but to lead it.

Additional information regarding student registration and upcoming program dates will be announced in the coming months.

About Athletech Academy

Athletech Academy is a Detroit-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit using the business and culture of sport to prepare young people for the future of work. We create hands-on learning opportunities—from workshops and camps to internships and leadership experiences — that help students explore careers, build real-world skills, and unlock opportunities through sport while building the nation's first college-preparatory high school dedicated to preparing students for careers in the sports industry. Learn more at athletechacademy.org.

About Michigan State University Federal Credit Union

MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) was established in 1937 to provide a secure place for members to save and borrow. Guided by its mission to help members achieve financial security, reach their goals, and realize their dreams, MSUFCU supports members through key milestones in life while helping them plan for the future. Recognized as a leader in innovation and as a great place to work, MSUFCU continually seeks new ways to enhance the member experience and strengthen the communities it serves. Today, the Credit Union proudly serves more than 400,000 members through 35 branches, with over $8.49 billion in assets and more than 1,200 employees. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan. For additional information, visit msufcu.org.