Greenville Federal Credit Union and Greer High School have partnered to operate a student-run credit union branch inside the high school. This initiative brings real-world financial literacy into the school and enriches students’ academic preparation by providing an authentic work experience that builds foundational skills for any career endeavor.
The student-run branch is named “The Branch at Greer High” and carries its own branding reflective of Greer High School. The fully functioning credit union branch offers students, faculty, and staff access to financial services such as savings and checking accounts, debit cards, and online banking through Greenville Federal Credit Union.
Students enrolled in the work-based learning program earn Honors level course credit and hands-on experience as they learn to operate a Greenville Federal Credit Union branch. The career and financial skills learned through this internship experience help graduates stand out in the job market or on college applications.
Greer High School Principal Justin Ludley shares, “At Greer High, we focus on providing students with opportunities to find their passion in a future career field through real world experiences in our academic and extracurricular programs. We are honored and excited to begin a new partnership with Greenville Federal Credit Union. 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. 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. We are so thankful for this partnership and cannot wait to officially open The Branch at Greer High.”
Selected students work along-side a teacher leading the student-run branch and receive in-depth training through a paid internship over the summer which prepares them to operate the branch in the coming school year. At completion of the summer-long internship, students are capable of not only handling cash transactions and opening new accounts, but also implementing growth strategies through a marketing plan they develop.
“Greenville Federal Credit Union has served the community of Greer for more than 25 years and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Greer High and Greenville County Schools to launch our second student branch,” said Paul Hughes, CEO of Greenville Federal Credit Union. “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. Giving young people the opportunity to practice sound money management in a safe, supported environment will benefit them for the rest of their lives.”
“This community and corporate partnership is an excellent example of how we provide real-world experience for our students”, said Superintendent W. Burke Royster. “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. The Branch at Greer High will provide multiple opportunities for students to be college and career ready”.
Student Specialists:
Faculty, Staff and Students:
The first step is to join Greenville Federal Credit Union by becoming an official Member.
Membership Requirements
Membership Benefits
Account Options for Greenville High Student Members
Account Options for Greenville High Staff Members
For Student Membership: Start your application online. Complete all fields and submit.
Then bring the following to The Branch to complete your membership application:
Look for your welcome email from the credit union with important account details.
For Staff Membership: Start your application online. Complete all fields and submit.
Then bring the following to The Branch to complete your membership application:
Look for your welcome email from the credit union with important account details.
Greenville Federal Credit Union offers two affinity Visa® debit cards designed to benefit Greer High and Greenville High. The two cards are available to any credit union checking account holder. The cards reflect the logo, branding, and colors of the schools where the credit union runs its student-branch programs. For every affinity debit card issued, the credit union will donate the $10.00 issuance fee back to the respective school.
“Community support for these two high schools is exceptionally strong. We’ve been asked many times if our school-branded debit cards would ever be available for all members,” said credit union president Paul Hughes. “We are pleased to offer these cards for anyone in Greenville County – parents, alumni, staff and supporters – as a means to show school spirit and help support school programs.”
Anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Greenville County may request a Greenville Federal Credit Union High School Affinity debit when they open a checking account with the credit union. Checking accounts and Visa debit cards are subject to credit approval. Greenville Federal Credit Union membership eligibility requirements apply, and specific services, rates, and fees may vary.
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