SALT LAKE CITY -- More than 3,500 students at Skyline High School are gaining financial skills in honor of "Get Smart About Credit Day."
In a hands-on presentation full of great visuals, teens are learning how to look beyond credit card marketing and how to read the fine print.
According to a 2011 teen survey, only about one-third of teenagers understand how credit card interest and fees work, but a vast majority are eager to learn to avoid making mistakes in the real world.
"We're trying to reach out to them because we know that after they graduate from high school, if they go to college -- and even if they don't -- when they turn 18 they're going to be bombarded by credit card offers and we just want them to make wise financial decisions," said Zions Bank Public Relations Manager Heidi Prokop.
Teachers say it is important for kids to understand the consequences of not paying down debt and maintaining a good credit history.
"I consider credit to be one of the most important units we do because that's an area that can really help your financial plan, or it's an area that can really hurt you and it can consequences that last for several years," said Skyline business teacher Julie Allred.
