Student-run branches are just a part of the many youth programs First Financial FCU has in place to address the growing need for financial literacy among high school students. The credit union also works in conjunction with high schools within its field of membership to teach classes on financial matters such as credit management, maintaining a checking account, understanding credit and debit cards, and choosing a financial institution.

LANCASTER, S.C. — Founders Federal Credit Union is taking financial literacy to two local elementary schools.

North Elementary School and Heath Springs Elementary mark the fifth in-school branch for the credit union. The unique branches, run by instructors at the schools, will teach students the value of money and the importance of saving in the future. Last school year, Founders opened a branch inside Brooklyn Springs Elementary in Lancaster and also Ebenezer Avenue Elementary in Rock Hill, S.C. and earlier this year, Founders opened a branch inside McDonald Green Elementary School in Lancaster.

"When the principals learned of our partnership with other local elementary schools, they approached us about helping them teach students about saving," said Bruce Brumfield, president/CEO of Founders FCU. "Our elementary school program has been a successful and exciting way for students to learn the value of saving money and allows us to get involved in our community and strengthen our relationship with the school system."

To encourage savings, incentives range from a free gift with their initial deposit and a Daniel the Spaniel Kids Savings Club customized T-shirts to awards given at savings benchmarks from $50 to $500. Midway through the year, Founders also hosts an ice cream party for participating students. The school year wraps up with a free pizza party.

PHOENIX — Desert Schools Federal Credit Union has expanded its freestanding branch network to 25 with the grand opening of its Arrowhead Mall branch.

During the past 12 months, the $3 billion financial institution opened seven new branches, a majority of which are located inside Valley-area Wal-Mart stores.

The new facility has four drive-thru lanes, including a drive-up ATM lane, safe deposit boxes, and a coin machine. This newest grand opening brings Desert Schools' branch network to a total of 64 locations.

Glendale Vice Mayor Manny Martinez and Councilmember Steve Frate will be part of a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Grand opening festivities include free prize giveaways, live music, food, crafts and the famous fleet of Desert Schools Toyota Scions.

MANSFIELD, Ohio — Empire Affiliates, a division of Toledo Area Community Credit Union, recently hosted a Home Safety Awareness Event to celebrate the grand opening of its new South Diamond Branch.

Members from the Mansfield Fire Department were on-site with their "House of Hazards," a house on wheels visitors can walk through to learn about home safety. Some 200 guests stopped by to enjoy great Home Safety Giveaways as well as food from local favorites.

"It's been great serving our members from our brand new facility and we were proud to welcome the community in to our new home for an event that promoted home safety awareness and prevention," said Holly Cox, South Diamond branch manager.

The first 50 visitors received free smoke detectors and all attendees walked away with free home safety giveaways and home safety tips. The event wrapped up with a drawing where one lucky entrant won a complete Home Safety Kit valued at $200.