EECU’s Student Branch Model Showcased at National CUFEN Conference
August 1, 2025
Educational Employees Credit Union
Our purpose is to achieve unrivaled member satisfaction by understanding our members' financial needs and providing quality financial products and services.
FRESNO, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2025) – Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU) was honored to share its innovative student branch model on a national stage at the Credit Union Financial Education Network (CUFEN) Conference in Philadelphia on July 29. Christy Alkire, manager of EECU’s student-run branch at Clovis West High School, presented insights into the program’s success, sparking interest from credit union professionals, educators, and financial experts from across the country.
Through a longstanding
partnership with Clovis Unified School District, EECU operates a fully
functional branch on the Clovis West High School campus. This unique program
offers students hands-on experience with financial transactions, professional
skill-building, and mentorship opportunities. During her session, co-presented
with Nathan Lombard of Redstone Federal Credit Union, Alkire explored how
credit unions nationwide can replicate this model to educate and empower future
financial leaders.
“I want other credit unions to
know that this model works, not only for the credit union but especially for
the students,” Alkire said. “A student-run branch teaches vital financial
lessons and fosters professional and job skills that set students up for future
success.”
Since opening in 2016, the
Clovis West student branch has provided real-world banking experience to 262
high school students, who’ve worked alongside EECU employees to serve members.
Unlike other student branches, EECU’s is a full-service branch that is open to
the public during normal business hours year-round.
The student financial
representatives perform teller transactions and work alongside EECU staff to
open new membership accounts and fund loans in the branch. Since it opened, the
branch has processed more than 32,000 teller transactions and funded more than
$11.6 million in loans.
“We mentor students on
professionalism, dependability, and the qualities that employers look for in
ideal candidates,” Alkire said. “Our mission is to help them make smart
financial decisions and thrive in their future careers.”
Many graduates of the career
pathway program pursue professional careers, with 26% securing employment with
EECU. Visit myEECU.org to learn more about EECU’s student branch.
EECU serves 12 Central California and Central Coast
counties and has 23 branches and more than 387,000 members. Since 1934, EECU
has provided affordable financial products and services to meet its members’
saving, borrowing, and investing needs. EECU is very active in the communities
it serves, proudly supporting numerous programs, activities and events that
enrich the community experience, and providing free financial wellness
education to people of all ages.