ENDICOTT, NY - February 20, 2020 — Visions Federal Credit Union recently celebrated the grand opening of its Leonia High School location, the first in school credit union branch Visions has opened in the state of New Jersey.

Visions employees joined Leonia High School students and administrators to cut the ribbon for Visions’ 52 nd branch. Principal Charles Kalender is excited about the partnership and what is to come for the future of his students.

“We feel that this partnership offers our students a unique experience in financial literacy,” he said. “Our students that work in the branch will get a hands-on education in the financial industry, while learning interview skills, customer service skills, and how to work for a financial institution.”

“The remainder of the student body has the ability to open accounts at Visions and learn how to begin managing their finances and how to save money,” Kalender said. “In addition, Visions will work with our financial literacy teachers to further develop the curriculum and enhance learning through presentations. We believe that this partnership will have a positive impact on our students, staff, and the curriculum at Leonia High School.”

Visions plans to continue growing within high schools, increasing student opportunities to improve upon their professional development.

“This in-school branch is just the beginning for Visions in the New Jersey high school market,” said Visions President and CEO Tyrone E. Muse. “Expanding our in-school branch model into New Jersey has been a goal of mine and Leonia High School was the perfect fit.”

“Seeing the excitement of the staff, administration, and students lets me know we are in the right place. I look forward to watching the relationship grow and seeing how we can further support Leonia and other high schools in New Jersey,” he added.

Students who work at the branch will undergo a full interview process, gaining personal and professional development through first-hand work in the financial service industry. In addition, participating students are also eligible to receive scholarships.

Visions Federal Credit Union is a nonprofit financial institution completely owned by its members. Established in 1966, Visions proudly serves over 210,000 members in communities throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Services include banking as well as auto, home, personal, and business loans. Visit visionsfcu.org for more information.