Pen Air FCU Opens First Escambia County Student-Run Credit Union

Posted: 2012-02-06 00:00:00

Pensacola, Fla. – February 1, 2012 – Pen Air Federal Credit Union will open a financial literacy based student-run credit union, Wildcat Credit Union, at Booker T. Washington High School Feb. 6. This will be Pen Air FCU’s first student-run credit union in Escambia County, Fla. 

Wildcat Credit Union’s mission is to create a unique, hands-on learning experience for the students through financial and professional education. The student-run credit union is exclusive to Washington High School students and staff.

“We are so excited to sponsor Wildcat Credit Union,” Kim Grosso, Pen Air FCU student-run head teller said. “The students are the reason we operate these credit unions. Our overall goal is to enhance the student’s daily lives and teach them about financial responsibility.”

The credit union operates in conjunction with high school’s E-Commerce Marketing class and academy program to offer financial success tools to high school seniors, and also school credit hours. The students that utilize the credit union will gain life skills in the areas of personal finance and budgeting. Students working in the credit union are overseen by a Pen Air FCU employee. Teachers, staff and students who are already Pen Air FCU members find the student-run branch convenient.

“We are thrilled about our partnership with Booker T. Washington High School,” Pen Air FCU Interim President and Chief Executive Officer David Tuyo said. “At Pen Air FCU, we believe in giving back to our local community and supporting our schools. By investing in our schools, we are ensuring success for the future.”

Pen Air FCU also has three other student-run credit unions, located in Santa Rosa County, which are Panther Credit Union at Milton High School, Patriot Credit Union at Pace High School and Royal Credit Union at Jay High School.

Pen Air FCU is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution originally chartered in 1936 to serve civil service and military employees assigned to our military bases in the area, as well as their immediate families.  With $1.1 billion in assets, Pen Air FCU is the largest locally-based financial institution in the area and now serves many other employee groups. It has 19 branches in Northwest Florida and Southwest Alabama, including the four student-run branches at area high schools.

For more information, please contact Melissa Dandridge at (850) 505-3200 ext. 3334 or dandme@penair.org. Pen Air FCU is federally insured by the NCUA and is an Equal Housing Lender.  Inquire into membership today.