The branch managers coach, develop and mentor the students. They teach them valuable workplace skills, such as service, professionalism, confidentiality, business etiquette, and communication, in a supportive and educational environment. In the classroom, the students learn money management skills, how to create a budget, credit score basics, how to save for retirement, how to file their taxes, and much more.

CHRISTY ALKIRE, BRANCH MANAGER

EDUCATIONAL EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION STUDENT BRANCH

“The students are excited to learn about banking, and by working in the branch they gain valuable job skills, build their confidence, and add to their resumes. The training and education they receive in the branch and in the classroom can be applied to any career they pursue.”

JOEY MARTINEZ, FINANCE TEACHER

“We want them to be financially educated. Because no matter what their career path is … they’re all going to earn, spend, borrow and invest money.”

STUDENT BRANCH CONTACT: CHRISTY ALKIRE
559-436-6090 CHRISTYA@MYEECU.ORG

A FINANCIAL EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP

Juniors and seniors may apply each spring to work in the student branch. The branch managers interview all applicants for the student FSR positions and select approximately 30 students to work in the branch each year. Creating a resume and participating in the interview is excellent preparation for job prospects after graduation.

The students attend a formal two-week orientation and training program on campus, just before the start of the new school year. Our Training Department has created a customized program for the students to teach them:

Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU) was established in 1934 by teachers and school administrators. Our roots are in education and we have a longstanding history of providing financial literacy education in the schools and communities we serve.

•Differences Between a Credit Union and a Bank •EECU Culture and Business Philosophy •Product Knowledge
•Teller Basics/Processing Financial Transactions
•Membership Eligibility •Confidentiality and Security
•Sales Service

The students enjoy working in the branch and learning new job skills, and have positive things to say about their experiences:

ASHLEY, STUDENT FSR

“It’s changed my life for the better. I absolutely love it and I love what I do. What I’ve learned here is really going to help me apply that to my daily life. I’m not
going to spend more than I make.”

In 2016, we opened a full-service student branch and ATM on a local high school campus. Through our partnership with the Clovis Unified School District, students who participate in the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway in banking and finance may apply to work in the branch as
a student financial services representative (FSR). Through the program, students experience a mixture of classroom instruction on personal finance and hands-on experience and training in the branch.

Unlike some student branches with limited services and hours, our campus branch is full-service and serves the general public the same hours as our other branches. The student FSRs work one period during the school day under the supervision of full-time credit union employees, and although they are unpaid volunteers, they earn class credit toward graduation.

JORDAN, STUDENT FSR

“Working at the branch has boosted my confidence and I’m learning how to make smart financial decisions.”

TYLER, STUDENT FSR

“This year I was able to file my own taxes as well as learn how to safely invest and borrow.”

Our goal is for the students to enhance their financial literacy and gain practical work experience, which will help to prepare them for college and future careers.