Credit Union Spotlight, presented by CUInsight, features credit unions taking action and changing their local communities. Join us as we recognize and celebrate the important work these credit unions do to bring their mission to life.
When Volt Credit Union partnered with Springfield Public Schools to open the Hillcrest High School Branch in 2024, the goal was bigger than simply placing a financial institution inside a high school. The partnership was designed to give students real-world financial experience, increase access to financial education, and help young people build confidence in their futures before graduation ever arrives.
Supported by a CDRLF grant, the Hillcrest branch became the first high school credit union branch of its kind in Missouri. Since then, the program has already inspired momentum across the state, with additional student-run branches opening and several other credit unions working to launch similar initiatives of their own.
For Volt Credit Union, the branch represents an investment not only in financial literacy, but also in long-term community impact.
Building financial confidence through hands-on experience
The program has been especially meaningful for students from underserved backgrounds and families with limited or no experience with traditional banking systems. By introducing students to financial services in a familiar and supportive environment, Volt is helping remove barriers that often prevent young people from developing healthy financial habits early in life.
The impact frequently extends beyond the classroom. Students often take what they learn home to their families, helping parents and siblings better understand budgeting, financial products, responsible debit card use, and account management.
“When students gain confidence in managing their money early, they gain confidence in their future, and that kind of impact reaches far beyond the walls of a classroom,” said Christopher Moss, President/CEO of Volt Credit Union.
Students selected as branch interns play an active role in the day-to-day operations of the branch. Under staff supervision, interns assist members, open accounts, support financial education efforts, and develop valuable professional skills including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, customer service, and financial operations.
The experience also exposes students to potential career pathways in business and financial services while helping them build confidence in a professional setting.
Creating impact beyond the branch
In 2025, Volt expanded the partnership even further by launching the first of three co-branded debit cards designed to benefit both students and the school community. A percentage of every swipe is returned directly to Hillcrest High School, creating an ongoing source of support for school programs and activities.
Volt’s partnership with Hillcrest extends well beyond the branch itself. The credit union intentionally maintains a strong presence throughout the school community by attending basketball games, collaborating with the marketing club and business students, and actively engaging with faculty, leadership, students, and the PTA. That consistent involvement has helped strengthen trust and build lasting relationships across campus.
Turning financial education into real-life preparation
In the branch’s first year alone, Volt delivered 115 hours of financial education and opened 100 youth accounts. Building on that momentum, Volt launched its Freshmen Financial Education Program after an idea from the school principal sparked a larger conversation about preparing students for real-world financial decisions.
The five-week program covers foundational financial topics including opening an account, understanding disclosures, fraud awareness, budgeting basics, debit card usage, and how fees can impact spending. Every freshman attends one financial education session each week, led by student branch interns under a Volt employee's supervision. The goal of the program is simple: help students understand financial tools before they encounter costly mistakes.
Students complete classroom instruction and assessments throughout the course, and those who successfully finish the program become eligible for an opening deposit incentive of $5 into their share account and $25 into their draft account. To date, 150 freshmen have qualified for the incentive.
“Before this class, I didn’t really understand how bank accounts worked or how easy it could be to get charged fees. Now I feel a lot more confident managing my money and using my debit card responsibly.” - Hillcrest freshman participant
As the Hillcrest branch continues to grow, Volt Credit Union hopes the model will inspire additional partnerships between schools and financial institutions throughout Missouri. By combining financial education, hands-on experience, and meaningful community engagement, the initiative is helping students build the confidence, knowledge, and life skills needed for long-term financial success.
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