Access First FCU is proud to be a Ram! In 2008, Access First opened the first student-run branch in Kalamazoo County. The credit union is a proud partner with Galesburg-Augusta High School. The In-School Branch is open to students and staff members during the school year. This full service branch allows members to open accounts, conduct transactions, and inquire about loan services. Each school year, two students receive a paid internship where they earn work experience. Students receive training on financial software, member service, sales, student loan processing, and marketing.
The Student-Run Branch is built around the Banking and Finance Class offered to Juniors and Seniors as an elective course at Galesburg-Augusta High School. Access First staff members assist in teaching the course once a week. Our goal is to teach students fiscal responsibility. Balancing checking accounts, teaching what a credit score is, and explaining the difference between a credit card and debit card are some of the topics covered in the Banking and Finance Class.
We have enjoyed the partnership with Galesburg-Augusta High School as together we teach financial literacy.
