When Taylor Meyers walked the halls of her high school in Jefferson Parish, she never imagined she’d be back years later, not as a student, but as someone helping to shape the future for the next generation.
Now, as a Community Engagement Specialist at OnPath Credit Union, Taylor has played a central role in launching Stukent, an interactive financial literacy program, in every public high school across Jefferson Parish. Through the OnPath Foundation, Taylor and her team help deliver programs that go beyond banking, investing directly in education, homeownership, and community well-being. Fittingly, the program’s official launch was held at her alma mater, making the achievement a deeply personal milestone.
“Bringing financial literacy back to Jefferson Parish Schools is incredibly meaningful to me,” said Taylor. “Walking the same halls as today’s students, I remember wishing I had these tools at their age. Now, being able to give them the skills and confidence to shape their financial futures is truly one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.”
The initiative comes as Louisiana implements a new law requiring students to complete a financial literacy course before graduation. Thanks to Taylor’s leadership, and the partnership between the OnPath Foundation, Jefferson Parish Schools, and Stukent, students across the parish will meet this requirement through engaging, interactive simulations that teach them to budget, pay bills, invest, and apply for loans.
“The partnership with OnPath Foundation and Stukent is an investment in the future of every Jefferson Parish high school student. Financial literacy is a vital life skill, and this initiative gives our students engaging, real-world tools to prepare for college, careers, and adulthood. Providing this at no cost to families or schools reflects the power of community partnerships to remove barriers and open doors for our students,” said Dr. James Gray, Superintendent of Jefferson Parish Schools.
Unlike traditional classroom methods, Stukent allows students to “learn by doing.” They immediately see the impact of their choices, whether it is the cost of overspending or the rewards of saving wisely. This hands-on approach helps prepare students for the financial realities they will face outside the classroom.
For Taylor, the project represents more than a professional accomplishment. It is proof that giving back to your community creates lasting change. And for Jefferson Parish, it is the start of a new chapter where every graduate has the tools to face adulthood with confidence.