Even Abigail Dill, student body president at Greer High School, was surprised by the new student-run Greenville Federal Credit Union branch prior to the announcement on Feb. 24.
The so-called “Branch at Greer High” will begin operations in August inside the cafeteria, giving students a chance to earn an honors level course credit, along with a paid internship through the Greenville Chamber’s Launch Program where they can experience on-the-job training. For those not enrolled in the program, students can open a savings and checking account with the branch, also open to faculty and staff.
“The opportunity to have a student-run financial institution in our school will empower student employees to build financial, marketing and professional skills through expert training from Greenville Federal Credit Union,” said Greer High School Principal Justin Ludley. “Furthermore, every student and staff member in our school will have the opportunity to join Greenville Federal Credit Union and grow in personal financial management skills.”
Superintendent Dr. W. Burke Royster. Photo courtesy of Greenville County SchoolsAround 10 to 12 students will be selected through an application and interview process and trained over the summer by business education teacher Stephanie Hayes. Students from each grade level can be considered for positions. During the training over the summer, which operates as a paid internship, students will learn how to handle cash transactions, open new accounts and develop growth strategies through a marketing plan.
“These students will have the opportunity to learn about financial literacy and put that knowledge to work in an actual business setting at their school. They are gaining the skills to be competitive in the real world and learning the importance of financial responsibility,” said Greenville County Schools Superintendent Burke Royster. “The Branch at Greer High will provide multiple opportunities for students to be college- and career-ready.”
.@Greer_High and @GreenvilleFCU held a joint press conference today announcing the opening of a student-run branch at Greer High School. The Branch at Greer High is set to open in August of this year. Read all the details at https://t.co/TJDyTYWQ7w pic.twitter.com/mQQ90kdHxK
— Greenville County Schools (@gcschools) February 24, 2023
More about Greenville Federal Credit Union
Greenville Federal Credit Union came to fruition in 1968 by nine teachers from Greenville County Schools and is the official credit union for Greenville County Schools. The credit union launched its first student-run credit union branch inside Greenville High School in 2016. In addition, it also has five branch locations.
“A lack of early financial literacy is a true barrier to long-term prosperity, and we feel it is our mission to help to educate the community,” said Greenville Federal Credit Union CEO Paul Hughes. “Giving young people the opportunity to practice sound money management in a safe, supported environment will benefit them for the rest of their lives.”
