MELROSE, Minn. – Every fall and spring for the past 15 years Central Minnesota Federal Credit Union (CMFCU) has been welcoming students into their office to teach them about credit unions. Kids punch their time cards as credit union "employees," find out how to use the coin counting machines and the drive-up window, and learn practical lessons about money and saving while touring the vault. Every CMFCU branch hosts credit union tours and/or classroom presentations for elementary and high school students, as well as community organizations like the Girl Scouts. "The tours not only help out the students by teaching them about credit unions, but it builds trust," said Jenny Mayers, marketing manager for CMFCU. "The kids and their parents feel more comfortable with the credit union, we feel more comfortable with them as members, and they are able to better understand our daily operations." Mayers, is a member of the Family Involvement Council and has conducted more than 20 tours over the years. As part of Melrose Area High School's curriculum in its automotive classes, credit union employees talk to students about applying for their first loan, the importance good credit, insurance coverage, and more. In addition, the CMFCU human resources department takes students through the hiring and interviewing process on Career Days, and even brings them into the credit union to get a feel for all other aspects of credit union life, such as marketing, programming and training.