Established in 2015 in partnership with the Rome Teachers Federal Credit Union, the Bulldog Credit Union is staffed and operated by Westmoreland students, who work alongside an employee from the Rome Teachers Federal Credit Union. Students and staff members can open a savings or checking account and make deposits and withdrawals at the student-run branch – just like at any other banking institution outside of school. All transactions and accounts are kept completely confidential and a system of checks and balances and internal controls safeguard personal information.
According to Mrs. Weissenberger, Jr./Sr. High School business teacher, the main purpose of the student-run Bulldog Credit Union is to teach wise savings habits at an early age, as well as supplement math, computer and social abilities.
“Students are taught real-life skills and are on the cutting edge of financial literacy,” Mrs. Weissenberger, who oversees the Bulldog Credit Union as part of the Jr./Sr. High School’s Senior College and Career Enrichment Program, said. “Each student employee is learning exactly what it takes to work behind the teller line of a financial institution. Our mission is to help students develop money management skills and career readiness. Once a member, always a member.”
Cayden is looking forward to his new role as student manager of the Bulldog Credit Union.
“I’m excited to be a leader and role model for the younger students I will be working with,” Cayden said. “Working at the credit union also teaches so many important skills, like how to appropriately manage, save and invest money.”
“Cayden is a very dedicated individual who is eager to learn something new each day related to our Bulldog Credit Union,” Mrs. Weissenberger added. “He’s focused on customer service and recruiting new members in our community. He understands confidentiality, accuracy and efficiency.”
The Bulldog Credit Union is open every Thursday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. when school is in session, starting September 15. Any student age 13 and older with parent permission and staff member can open an account. Each credit union member receives a membership card, transaction register to track their balance and a small packet to keep their account items organized. Students who work at the credit union do so on a voluntary basis and earn community service credit, which is required to graduate.
After high school, Cayden plans to attend a four-year college, with hopes of becoming a math teacher or engineer. He expects to make a decision on a college and course of study soon.
Congratulations to Cayden Osborne on being named student manager of the Bulldog Credit Union!