Bellwether Community Credit Union is excited to announce its sponsorship of the Stickball summer pilot program in partnership with Stickball and Manchester School District—bringing an innovative, engaging blend of classic play and essential life skills to local students, all in the spirit of Banking with Heart.
This forward-thinking program introduces students in grades 4–8 to Stickball’s one-of-a-kind platform, which combines interactive, gamified lessons with financial literacy, communication, and real-world problem-solving. The program is offered at no cost to participating families across Manchester through the generosity of Bellwether.
“This is Banking with Heart in action,” said Bellwether President/CEO Nathan Saller. “We are more than just a financial institution—we are a community partner. Investing in our youth and helping them build confidence, financial literacy, and teamwork skills is at the core of who we are and what we do.”
Stickball’s unique approach blends technology and tradition—encouraging students to learn while they play. Through structured games, team-based challenges, and interactive financial literacy modules, students explore key life topics in a fun, approachable way.
"We're thrilled to partner with Bellwether Community Credit Union to bring this transformative educational experience to Manchester students," said Paul Buonopane, Founder of Stickball. "Our platform is built from the ground up through community collaboration, and this partnership exemplifies how we can work together to create meaningful pathways for young people to develop the skills they need to thrive. When we combine play with purpose, incredible learning happens."
“Stickball is about helping young people thrive and learn valuable life skills including financial literacy,” said Saller. “Partnering with Stickball and Manchester schools lets us make a meaningful impact where it matters most—right in the heart of the community.”
The Stickball Program aligns with the credit union’s broader mission of strengthening New Hampshire communities through education, wellness, and youth engagement.
“Our students thrive when we connect learning with real-world experiences,” said Dr. Jenn Chmiel, Superintendent of Manchester School District. “The Stickball Summer Program is a perfect example of how partnerships can enrich education outside the classroom. Thanks to Bellwether Community Credit Union and Stickball, we’re giving students a fun, hands-on way to build confidence, collaboration, and essential life skills.”
About Bellwether Community Credit Union
Since 1921, Bellwether Community Credit Union has offered financial services to consumers residing or working in New Hampshire and Essex and Middlesex counties in Massachusetts. As a not-for-profit credit union, Bellwether focuses on giving value back to members through better rates and lower fees; local, personal service; and digital channels which simplify how people bank, borrow and pay. Members can access their accounts at nearly 30,000 free ATMs nationwide and approximately 6,500 CU Service Centers around the world. Bellwether Community Credit Union has branches in Bedford, Manchester, Nashua and Pelham.
About Stickball
Stickball is a leading education technology platform dedicated to promoting financial literacy and workforce readiness. With interactive lessons and personalized guidance, Stickball empowers students and professionals to make informed financial decisions through community-centered solutions. The platform blends interactive simulations with personalized learning paths to build essential life and workplace skills, with everything developed collaboratively with community members and continuously adapted based on their feedback. Stickball's inclusive design serves individuals of all abilities and backgrounds, with multi-language accessibility ensuring the program serves diverse populations. The company's bottom-up approach ensures that educational tools remain in communities for life, creating lasting impact through sustained local partnerships. For more information, visit www.stickball.biz.
