Student-Run Credit Union Program Expands

For the 2014-2015 academic year, Community Financial will operate 41 student-run credit unions including new school partners: Achieve Charter Academy in Canton and St. Mary Cathedral School in Gaylord. As the program continues to grow, a new position has been added this year that will focus on enhancing the program in our Northern communities.

The Student-Run Credit Union Program encourages the development of financial responsibility and money management skills, while providing youth with a hands-on credit union experience.

We are excited to expand our team and welcome three new Education Partnership Coordinators: Angela Corbin, Erin Ilg, and Christine Schilling.

• Angela Corbin:  Angela has been a Member Service Representative in our Gaylord branch for the last 3 years. She will continue building relationships with schools in our Northern communities and expand the program in those areas. Angela wants to show students that learning, saving and preparing for the future can be fun.
• Erin Ilg: As a former school teacher, Erin brings an enthusiasm and passion for education to her new position. She understands the expectations of what schools need to accomplish and knows which tools are necessary for students to become successful in and outside the classroom.  Erin hopes to teach financial literacy in an engaging and enjoyable way.
• Christine Schilling: With a wealth of experience in the financial services industry, Christine makes a welcome addition to the team. As a former branch manager of our Plymouth and Canton branches, she is excited to educate youth on the importance of having good credit and achieving financial independence.

Over 2,000 children will participate in the program as members, and more than 1,000 students will participate as volunteers who serve as branch managers, tellers, accountants, computer operators and marketing representatives. In addition, more than 18,000 students will learn about financial principles through classroom presentations given by our Education Partnership Coordinators.

Pictured above from left to right: Christine Schilling, Angela Corbin and Erin Ilg.