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| Bringing the Credit Union difference Directly to Students |
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Student-run branches can make a big impact in local schools and communities, and Atomic Credit Union in rural southern Ohio has learned that lesson well. The credit union launched its student-run branch program 14 years ago, and an America’s Credit Unions Blog post details its tremendous growth in membership from 25,000 to 89,000 members.
Working to build deeper community connections, Atomic started with eight branches in the 2011-12 school year. The program now has branches in 96 buildings across 38 school districts in 13 counties across Ohio.
“It’s brought a new wave of young students who are now young adults into our credit union,” said Atomic’s Director of Financial Education Andy Eisnaugle. “When we go places, people say, ‘Oh, you’re that Atomic Credit Union that does the student-run program.’ It sets us apart.”
During the 2024-2025 school year, 977 student volunteers processed 41,814 transactions, helping student members save more than $276,000. Student volunteers range from 4th graders in elementary buildings to seniors in high schools, with 20 of Atomic’s 48 student-run program staff members still in high school.
Ohio’s 2025 budget allows work in a student-run branch to count toward the state’s mandatory 60-hour financial education requirement. Atomic Credit Union was invited by the Ohio Department of Education to provide feedback on implementation and has submitted a draft policy for consideration.
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