Credit union teaches skills students can bank on
A working branch of the First New York Federal
Credit Union at Schoharie Central School is teaching high school
students real-life, real-time skills in marketing and business, money
management and customer service, while providing them with future
employment opportunities. Meanwhile, their fellow students in the
Elementary School are putting math skills into action while learning
how to handle, save and invest money.
Students in all grades and staff may establish
accounts in the credit union, which is located in the high school
library classroom and open on Thursdays when school is in session. First
New York matches students’ opening balances of up to $5 for new
accounts, and they can earn free gift cards, movie tickets and prom
tickets by accumulating points as they save. Students also can enter a
raffle for a U.S. savings bond.
High School students who are active in the Future Business Leaders of
America (FBLA) received training to work in the credit union as tellers,
new account specialists and customer service representatives. First New
York will be offering them scholarships and summer jobs in local
branches and banks at the end of the school year.
FBLA members working at the credit union include
Mariah Capone, Chris DellaRocco, Rebekah Kuntze, Monica Rivette, Allen
Rossetti, Brendyn Schrom, Jen Slater, TJ Smith and Austin VanDyke.
Jen McClure, Janna O'Leary and Kevin Scofield are
advising the students, who are also learning from First New York's Trish
Harrington and Julie Soard.
At the Elementary School, the KID$ (Kids Investing
Dollars Saving) Program teaches younger students how to manage their
money responsibly and about the importance of saving and investing money
in an account to earn dividends (interest).
At the credit union, math becomes more
understandable and even fun.
Credit union members receive quarterly statements at their homes, and
their deposits are federally insured to at least $250,000 through the
National Credit Union Administration, NCUA. First New York does not
charge account maintenance fees.
[1/2012]
|
