Community Partner Profile: Las Colinas Federal Credit Union

FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Investing in Coppell ISD’s students is paying dividends for the Las Colinas Federal Credit Union in Irving since its relationship began in the district more than 15 years ago.

“Reaching out to our community and establishing relationships is near and dear to our values,” says Kevin Scott, Chief Executive Officer of LCFCU. “We believe in making heart connections with children that extends to families, which is very important to us.”

Almost weekly, a LCFCU “crew” can be seen working alongside teachers, parent volunteers and learners as part of the credit union’s student-run branches at Valley Ranch, Austin, Mockingbird, Pinkerton, Lee and Canyon Ranch elementary schools.

Launching student-run branches was the brainchild of LCFCU Chief Operating Officer Tonia Clark. As a Valley Ranch Elementary parent in the early 2000s, she saw a similar program on the news and worked with school Principal Cynthia Arterbery to start the program.

“I think it is important to start having kids be excited about saving money at an early age, so these habits can carry into adulthood,” Clark says.

Student-run branches allow children to learn important life skills necessary for adulthood, adds Susie Mayes, LCFCU Operations Services Manager. These include applying for jobs, accountability, customer service, marketing, math and money management skills.

She says, “It’s incredible to watch our student workers accept deposits and balance their drawers to the penny amongst the chaos of the mornings before school.”

LCFCU also assists with school reality fairs, which are opportunities for learners to experience real-world situations with mock jobs, budgets and expenses.

“I am so thankful for the opportunity CISD gives us to partner with the district,” Mayes says. “It’s a real community and family, and I appreciate it so much.”

Learn more about the LCFCU’s partnership with CISD at go.coppellisd.com/ LCFCU.