Lori Smith, Credit Union of America, works with Southeast seniors Marissa Saunders and Shaundrae Franklin at the school's Buffalo Branch. The Buffalo branch is staffed by the students.
Southeast dedicates Buffalo Branch at school
Students at Southeast High School have an opportunity to learn fiscal responsibility and business skills through a partnership with Credit Union of America. CUA opened the Buffalo Branch, named after Southeast’s mascot, to serve students and faculty during the lunch hour two days a week. The Buffalo Branch is staffed by two students who are in the school’s banking program. Southeast officially dedicated the branch with principal Leroy Parks conducting a ceremonial card swipe in the school’s ATM.
“This has been a dream of ours for quite some time,” said Parks. “After four years, this has finally become a reality.”
 |
| Southeast principal Leroy Parks swipes a Southeast buffalo debit card in the school's ATM to dedicate the new Buffalo Branch. |
“Besides having access to money and being able to make deposits, this gives us an opportunity to teach students how to manage their money to be fiscally responsible,” he added. “The Buffalo Branch gives students the 21st century skills they need to pursue a successful career in banking.”
The Buffalo Branch was developed because of a request by a Southeast teacher to assist with hands-on experience for the school’s 3-year banking program. Students in the program learn about different careers in the banking industry and the core technical skills that are needed. By the time students are seniors, the students will work in the Buffalo Branch and at other CUA branches to get real-world experience.
Two Southeast seniors in the banking program were hired by CUA to staff the high school office. They have worked at various CUA offices since June as part of their work-study in the banking program.
“I’ve learned that the most important part of banking is money management,” said Shaundrae Franklin. “I hope that my peers will learn that as well.”
Students 15 and older are able to open savings accounts at the Buffalo Branch. Other accounts like checking accounts require a parent or guardian's signature. Students 16 and older can start a checking account without a parent or guardian's signature if they complete an online tutorial and pass a test.
Credit Union of America will soon have a special debit card with a buffalo design to honor the school’s mascot. Students, staff and Southeast alumni and supporters will be able to get the card to show off their school pride.
“I better get the first one,” Parks joked.
The Buffalo Branch is not open to the public, but the ATM is available to guests when they are visiting during the day or at after-school functions.
October 28, 2009