Volt Credit Union is opening an office that will double as a branch and learning opportunity at Springfield Public Schools' Hillcrest High School on the north side.
An opening is expected with the 2023-24 academic year that starts this fall, according to a news release.
Officials say the branch will be the first student-operated high school credit union in Missouri. Up to 15 students will work shifts under the guidance of a Hillcrest teacher and a Volt employee. The branch will operate during the school day and be available for use by Hillcrest students and staff.
“We believe that financial literacy and personal financial management are important life skills that will benefit students well into their futures,” said Loretta Roney, Volt Credit Union president and CEO, in the release. “The opportunity for students to be trained as credit union employees and gain real-world preparation in a professional environment is priceless, and we are thrilled to be launching this new program.”
The announcement came the same day as a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Jan. 26 for the 3319 N. Grant Ave. high school. The multiphase, $30.3 million project added new classrooms and enhanced fire safety and security, with Nabholz Construction Corp. serving as general contractor and Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective as architect, according to past reporting.
The credit union branch announcement also timed with the opening session of SPS University, which provides resources to children and parents for academic support and community programs.
“We are excited about the potential this partnership has to give high school students more opportunities to develop relevant job skills,” said Grenita Lathan, SPS superintendent, in the release. “Expanding options that allow students to explore career and workforce pathways before they graduate will help them identify areas of interest and begin to prepare early to pursue their goals.”