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Carolina Collegiate Federal Credit Union Marks Second Year of Student-Run Branch on University of South Carolina Campus

COLUMBIA, SC (September 3, 2013) — Carolina Collegiate Federal Credit Union is starting a second year of a student-operated Financial Service Center in the Russell House on the campus of the University of South Carolina.

The Financial Service Center represents the shared vision of the University of South Carolina and Carolina Collegiate Federal Credit Union to improve the financial well-being of students, faculty and staff.

“The center provides a good opportunity for financial education,” said Carolina Collegiate CEO Anne Shivers. “Year one has been a win-win for both the students and the credit union.”

Students are learning and teaching each other about being fiscally responsible in a financially challenging environment, how to avoid debt, and methods of evaluating savings, spending patterns and finances.

“The reality is we are doing this all by ourselves,” said student employee Carmen Harris. “We had to really learn to step up and solve problems.” She said.

“I hoped to gain a better understanding of the banking industry, attain business skills, and acquire business experience that one can’t quite get in a classroom,”  student  employee Joe Mader said about his work. “I have learned a lot and utilized my new experiences to help progress both my schooling and my career.”

As an added benefit for students, Carolina Collegiate offers a Stress Free student checking account with perks including Benefits Plus discounts at over three dozen local restaurants and retailers.

The Financial Service Center by Carolina Collegiate, located in the Russell House Room 227U, is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, with limited hours on Saturdays. Members may also use the two additional Columbia Carolina Collegiate branches at 710 Pulaski St, and 4480 Rosewood Drive.

Members may also access their accounts through more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs and 4,500 network branches nationwide, the Carolina Collegiate mobile banking app, and online at carolina.org.

Pictured From Left Front Row:

Megan Devens
Joe Mader
Carmen Harris
Raven Woodruff
Jeremy Webb
Rachael Foust

From Left back row:

Zach Chandler
Chris Molten
Erin Vaden
Nick Cannon
Meghan Williams
Brandon Carter
Ikeia Miller

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