Parents, talk to your college-bound youngsters about the correct use of a credit card on campus this semester—and about the dangers of racking up debt. Think about these sobering facts from a 2009 study by student lender Sallie Mae: Undergraduates are carrying record high credit-card balances. The average balance has grown to $3,173, the highest in the study’s history.

Think you’ll make it out of this recession alive financially? The “Surviving the Economy” seminar aims to help. The free session is Thursday at the Hull Street branch of the Richmond Public Library, 1400 Hull St. in South Richmond. Glenn Birch, public and media-relations director for the Virginia Credit Union, will be the seminar presenter.

JANE WATKINS Metro Business asked Jane Watkins, president and chief executive officer of the Virginia Credit Union, about the significance of financial education, especially given the current economic conditions: “I have always felt financial education was critically important, and I think what we are seeing in the economy right now is a fallout from the lack of that education.

Consumer advocates yesterday praised a new program launched by Virginia to help state workers get emergency, short-term loans without having to turn to payday lenders. Citing the dangers of “predatory” lending and the worst economic recession since the 1930s, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine yesterday announced that employees will be able borrow up to $500 twice a year to help meet financial needs.

The Virginia Credit Union has awarded $62,500 in college scholarships to 25 student members through its 2009 Dorothy J. Hall Scholarship Program. Students selected for the $2,500 scholarships were recognized for scholastic achievement, community service, extracurricular activities, an essay and work to defray the cost of education. The winners include 13 high school graduates from the Class of 2009 and 12 college students. All of the recipients are Virginians. The high school winners are: