ENDWELL, N.Y.–Visions FCU has opened two, new in-school financial wellness centers at high schools in New Jersey’s Passaic and Morris counties.
Located at Manchester Regional High School in Haledon and Jefferson High School in Jefferson Township, the locations are part of an initiative the credit union calls the “Visions Business Academy,” which provides school communities with financial literacy programs, staff support, member services, and internship opportunities.
Visions FCU reported that over the last decade it has introduced similar programs to schools throughout its three-state footprint in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. In 2019, Leonia High School was the first in New Jersey to adopt the Visions Business Academy. Manchester and Jefferson are the second and third, with three other schools in the works for 2024, the credit union said.
“It’s great to know that we’re filling an important educational need in our communities, not only for the students, but also for teachers and families,” Alex Kuhnen, Visions’ academic relationship manager, said in a statement.
Credit Union ‘Ambassadors’
Students of Manchester and Jefferson who are over the age of 16 are invited to apply for internships with Visions, providing work experience, networking opportunities, and professional development.
According to Visions, the interns work as credit union “ambassadors” and enhance financial literacy in their school districts and are supported by an in-school financial wellness officer provided by Visions.
“Utilizing the in-school financial wellness center, these teams can facilitate opening new accounts, referrals, and other services for Visions members,” the credit union explained.
Visions FCU added the students also receive free access to many professional development opportunities offered to Visions employees, such as eLearning tools, job shadow, and a learning library.
‘Wonderful Experience’
“Having Visions in Leonia High School has been a wonderful experience for students,” said Jean O’Neil, who teaches business at Leonia. “They learn real world situations and skills by either working at the branch, playing games, or listening to professional speakers.”
Beyond financial literacy and internships, Visions FCU said its academic partnership provides the school communities with online resources, special events, and the “Visions Loves Educators” initiative. Educators can qualify and apply for exclusive bonuses, a Student Loan Eraser program, and awards for Educators of the Year, the credit union said.
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