Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union Supports Financial Education in Schools

In the next 5 years, the Charleston, South Carolina region will create more than 25,000 new jobs. This is nearly 7 times the growth experienced in the previous 5 years[1]. The area is expected to have tremendous economic growth and it also means there will be an impact on shortages in talent in key fields. The only way to address that issue is for area schools and businesses to work together to fill those talent gaps. As an organization, Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union puts tremendous emphasis on financial education at the school level. Since 2014, Heritage Trust has worked with area school districts to help align curriculums with the business community as an active partner of the Business and Finance cluster in the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Career Academy initiative. In 2015, the Credit Union took its commitment to financial education one step further by working with the district to build a course that would support the launch of student-run Credit Union branches. As a result of these efforts, Heritage Trust built and launched two student-run branches in area school districts with a third student branch opening this Fall. Working with the schools, the credit union interviewed, hired and trained 25 students and two teachers to effectively run the branches. Students involved in the program learned marketing, sales and service, interpersonal skills, accounting and IT. These are key areas that are in demand for future talent. We worked closely with the district to ensure that the students we hired were as diverse as they were talented which included a student with special needs and learning-disabilities. In the United States, 6.5 million students or about 13 percent of public school enrollment represents individuals who are learning disabled[2]. I was one of those students, and recall facing similar challenges when it came to learning and skill-building. As we worked to create our program we recognized the needs and strengths of our learning-challenged student and put together an inclusive, but customized learning track for this young man. �In the beginning teachers expressed their concerns about his potential in the program even during the interview process. However, we recognized that student"s commitment to his success and helped him gain the knowledge and hands-on experience that would allow him to succeed in the program. Since the program began, his teachers have been impressed by the level of progress he has been able to make. Individuals with learning disabilities often excel in problem solving, strategic thinking and empathy. Many of them are also able to draw from experiences because of their ability to remember more detail. These are all great skills when dealing with members and managing situations at a credit union branch. You never know, this student could be the next Richard Branson or Charles Schwab both business executives that make up part of the 35 percent of entrepreneurs worldwide that are learning disabled[3]. Richard Branson often states in interviews that he was labeled stupid and lazy as a child but believes that having dyslexia actually helped him become a better businessman. In my opinion, credit unions play a special role in working with others holistically to impact true change and serve people and needs that may often go overlooked. As a Collector for our credit union, I apply similar skills displayed by our student-intern in my own work by examining the big picture when it comes to our members to determine the best resources to assist them. This has allowed me to not only flourish in my organization but also help our membership by meeting their individual needs. That"s why I"d encourage everyone to empower those with learning disabilities and recognize their strengths and how they can help contribute in your company. For those institutions unable to devote resources to a student branch but want to get engaged, I"d encourage them to offer internships, start a mentorship program or simply work directly with your local schools and teachers to understand their goals. After all, as citizens of our communities, we all have a vested interest in the future of education and learning disabilities will continue to be a part of our future communities as well as membership and employee groups. Steve Jobs, also learning disabled,� once said "What"s important is that you have a faith in people, that they"re basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they"ll do wonderful things with them." As you continue to work in your communities as credit unions, I challenge you to think outside of models and outside of the box to be a catalyst for real change. Rebecca Brooks Collector Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union [1] http://www2.ed.gov/programs/osepidea/618-data/state-level-data-files/index.html#bcc [2] http://www2.ed.gov/programs/osepidea/618-data/state-level-data-files/index.html#bcc [3] http://www.businessinsider.com/richard-branson-dyslexia-as-advantage-2015-4