Routing# 262275835
Oct. 30, 2023 _ Redstone’s Schools Program has garnered two recent awards for its efforts to provide work experience and financial literacy to its participating students.
The Schools Program consists of eight high school branches and three college/university branches that are fully operated by the students. Students gain real-life work experience, improve their financial literacy, and earn money while training. Schools also benefit from Redstone’s specially designed debit card that pays the school each time it’s swiped. The branded debit cards have generated over $742,000 for the educational partners.
Recently, the Schools Program won a state-wide award for its commitment to youth financial education from CUNA (Credit Union National Association). The program is also a regional winner of the Work-Based Learning Best Practices competition by the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship. Its Austin High School branch will also be featured on Alabama Public Television this winter.
Joe Newberry, Redstone’s President and CEO, applauds the partnership and collaboration of this important program.
“Providing financial education to our members strengthens the cooperative, strengthens communities, and strengthens the next generation,’’ Newberry said.
The Schools Program educates youth on financial matters, trains them to teach their family and classmates, and then shows them how beneficial it can be by providing employment, class credit, and a stronger financial foundation.
Nathan Lombard, Senior Assistant Vice President, oversees the program and says the students also gain confidence and the soft skills needed for any profession.
Alabama had no required financial literacy courses for its high school students. This program works in tandem with Redstone’s Financial Education Department to fill this gap.
Since its inception in 2017, 223 students and 22 teachers have worked in the high school branches, while 38 students have worked in the college/university branches.
In addition to the work experience and school credit, graduating seniors can also receive a $2,000 scholarship. Redstone has paid out $52,000 in scholarships since 2017.
About Redstone Federal Credit Union
With more than $7.55 billion in assets, Redstone Federal Credit Union is the largest member-owned financial institution in Alabama and one of the largest federal credit unions in the nation by assets. Redstone is based in Huntsville, Alabama, and serves more than 780,600 members nationwide.
Chartered on November 28, 1951, Redstone Federal Credit Union has proudly served its members for 70 years and has 27 conveniently located branches across North Alabama and Tennessee.
Redstone Federal Credit Union provides a level of service that is not generally available at other financial institutions through its philosophy of - People Helping People.
Are you ready to join the credit union that puts you first? Become a member of the Redstone family and you’ll start enjoying the great rates, personalized financial advice, and excellent customer service Redstone is known for.