Royal Credit Union’s School $ense program has been empowering students with financial education for over 30 years. Since its inception in 1993, School $ense has grown to operate 30 student-run credit union offices in elementary, middle, and high schools across Royal’s footprint, and offers students hands-on financial experience while learning valuable life skills.
At Memorial and North High Schools, the student-run Royal Credit Union office is part of a partnership with the Eau Claire Area School District and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Youth Apprentice program. Each year, eight students are hired to run the in-school offices, helping their peers with financial services while earning school credit. Outside of school, these students also work at Royal’s traditional offices, where they interact with a diverse range of Members and navigate various financial situations. This experience helps them build professional skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Student tellers at Memorial and North High Schools, receive more than just financial experience, they learn real-life skills and professional growth. “This program prepares you for the real-world,” said Logan, a teller at Memorial High School. “I’ve learned how to communicate better as a team and with our Members.”
Student tellers also gain important workplace skills including time management. “I’ve learned how to balance being a high school student and a high school teller,” said Max, a student teller at North High School. Many of them enjoy helping their peers with their financial questions. “One of my favorite things about this internship is the Member interactions,” said Lucas, a teller at North High School. “I love being able to see my fellow students come into the branch excited to answer the trivia question and ask financial questions that they may not have access to.”
One of the highlights of the program is developing engaging financial education activities for their peers. These include trivia questions known as the “Question of Day,” basket giveaways, seasonal themed events, and interactive games like Money Ball where students are given the opportunity to shoot a basketball to earn a cash prize. These interactive activities spark student curiosity and keep the energy high while teaching valuable financial concepts.
Students who participate in the Youth Apprentice program with Royal, complete their internship with the confidence and knowledge to step into their futures. Whether that’s through Member interactions or promoting financial literacy, Royal’s YA internship is shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
