Student credit unions teach life skills
Print
EmailYouth learn life skills by applying for a position with a student credit union.
Youth learn by doing! 4-H is about hands-on experiences and learning by doing. Some credit unions are doing just that. Credit unions are creating student credit unions within local schools. The student credit unions are operated by the students, with the support and supervision of credit union team members, to promote financial literacy, responsibility, math skills and many other life skills. Students must apply for a position at the student credit union, which includes an application with references.
From my recent experience, this was an opportunity to explain to my daughter about completing a job application. First, you should complete the application in pen, not pencil. Second, what work experience does a 10-year-old have? Brainstorm what they have done; have they helped someone babysit, clean or do yardwork? Work experience does not necessarily have to be paid. Third, when it comes to references, explain you cannot just write down a person’s name—you should contact the potential reference and ask if you can use them as a reference. Finally, make sure the youth signs their application—yes, this should be done in cursive.
The Honor Credit Union’s Student Credit Union movement has spread like wildfire throughout southwest Michigan! Students who attend a school where Honor has a student credit union are eligible to open a real Honor account where they can make deposits during the designated time at school or in any Honor Credit Union branch location.
Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. As a result of career exploration and workforce preparation activities, thousands of Michigan youth are better equipped to make important decisions about their professional future, ready to contribute to the workforce and able to take fiscal responsibility in their personal lives.
As a part of our work, Michigan State University Extension provides programming for workforce preparation. To learn more about the positive impact of MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H career preparation, money management and entrepreneurship programs, read the Impact Report: “Preparing Michigan Youth for Future Employment.”
