Partnership brings job skills, financial smarts to students
Gar-Field High School is the latest high school to offer banking services on-site as Fort Belvoir Federal Credit Union (FTBFCU) has partnered with the school to open a student-run credit union, known as the Champions’ Branch. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held earlier this month to celebrate the official opening of the branch located within the school at 14000 Smoketown Road, Woodbridge. School Board Representative Julie Lucas (Neabsco) and Superintendent of Schools Steven L. Walts were both in attendance, along with Prince William County Supervisors Maureen Caddigan (Dumfries), John D. Jenkins (Neabsco), and Corey Stewart (Occoquan).
The Champions’ branch is a full-service credit union, where studen
ts as well as staff and family members may open either a checking or savings account and make deposits and withdrawals accordingly. Bankers can also apply for loans through the branch. The credit union is currently open every other day during the school lunch shifts.
The Champions’ branch has already offered more than just banking experience for Gar-Field students. The student-run credit union is operated by Gar-Field High School students under the mentorship of FTBFCU representatives. In addition to being paid for their services, these student employees will develop good money-management experience, will become more invo
lved with the community, and will work cooperatively with educators and parents to help develop financially responsible young adults. Gar-Field’s IB art students have also gained work-related experience by assisting in the bank’s promotions.
“From the kickoff where our IB Art students were given the opportunity to propose and design a logo to the staffing of the bank, this project has been infused with cross-curriculum participation,” says Gar-Field assistant principal Myca Gray, who orchestrated the school-credit union partnership. “We are working together to produce a great service for our students and staff.”
3/14/06
