Coastal Credit Union Hosts Financial Education Field Trip for Title I Students at Coastal Music Park

RALEIGH, N.C. (May 7, 2026) – Coastal Credit Union welcomed more than 60 students and volunteers to the Coastal Credit Union Music Park on Wednesday, May 6 for a hands-on financial education field trip designed to bring classroom learning to life for Title I high school students.

The immersive experience combined financial education, career exploration, and real-world concepts application in a setting unlike any traditional classroom. Students participated in an interactive financial simulation that challenged them to make real-life budgeting, saving, and spending decisions, helping illustrate how everyday financial choices can shape long-term financial well-being.

“Coastal is an invaluable partner, for a lot of reasons. We have a team of four students in a work study – all in different departments - that gets really great experience and exposure. In addition, Coastal is always looking for additional avenues to help all our students,” said Casey LoFrese, VP of Corporate Work Study from Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School in Durham. “For example, our whole senior class is here today. They’re learning about food security and doing a budget exercise and getting a look backstage, which are fun activities but are also enlightening and exposes them to things they might not get otherwise.”             

In addition to the budget simulation, students took part in an exclusive backstage tour of the Music Park, offering behind-the-scenes insight into operations and career opportunities within the live entertainment industry. The tour helped connect academic concepts to practical, real-world careers, including nontraditional paths students may not have previously considered. 

The day also included a session led by Ripe for Revival, which shared tips on budgeting for healthy eating. Students capped off the visit by participating in a service project benefiting the nonprofit, reinforcing the importance of community involvement and financial responsibility.

“Our goal is to help students see how financial education connects to real life — from everyday choices to future careers,” said Emily Nail, Coastal’s VP of Cooperative Strategies. “Hosting this experience at the Music Park allows us to deliver those lessons in a way that’s engaging, memorable, and meaningful.”

About Coastal Credit Union

Coastal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned, financial cooperative, offering a full range of financial products and services. Coastal was chartered on August 31, 1967, with the mission of fostering the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”  Today, with $6.21 billion in assets, Coastal serves 346,000 members from 1,800 business partners and is among the leading financial institutions in North Carolina. Coastal operates 23 locations in central North Carolina and serves members in all 50 states through a network of 5,600 shared branches, 55,000+ surcharge-free ATMs, mobile banking featuring mobile check deposit, and a robust offering of online services at www.COASTAL24.com. For more Coastal news, visit our online newsroom.