Volt Credit Union Partners with Hillcrest High School and Foundation for Springfield Public Schools

At Volt Credit Union, we believe financial confidence should start early, and now, thanks to an exciting partnership with Hillcrest High School and support from the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, that belief is becoming a reality for our local students.

A Powerful Partnership for Student Success

Hillcrest High School is the the first high school in Missouri with a credit union branch right on campus, and we’re proud to be part of that distinction. Together, we’re creating more than just access to banking, we’re building real-world financial education opportunities that students can carry with them for life.

Through a grant awarded by the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, Hillcrest freshmen are now participating in a financial literacy program that goes beyond the classroom. As part of this experience, students have the opportunity to open their very first Volt Credit Union account in their own name.

Real Accounts. Real Money. Skills For Real Life.

This isn’t a simulation or a school-managed program, it’s the real thing.

Starting in April 2026, students who participate receive:

• A checking account with an initial $25 deposit
• A savings account with an initial $5 deposit
• A real Hornet co-branded debit card connected to their account

These accounts are designed to help students take their first steps into managing money, whether that’s saving for a goal, learning to budget, or preparing for their first job.

Why Volt Opened a Branch at Hillcrest High School

We didn’t open a branch inside Hillcrest just for convenience, we did it with purpose.

Financial literacy is one of the most important life skills a student can learn, yet it’s often one of the least accessible. By placing a Volt branch directly inside the school, we’re removing barriers and meeting students where they are.

“Providing high school students with real credit union accounts bridges the gap between classroom theory and hands-on experience. In a low-risk environment supported by certified financial counselors, students develop essential digital literacy and saving habits. This early exposure to member-focused banking fosters the financial autonomy and discipline necessary for long-term success.”

— Alexis, Hillcrest Branch Lead

This allows us to:

• Provide hands-on financial education
• Build confidence with real financial tools
• Create early relationships with a trusted financial institution
• Help students develop healthy money habits before adulthood

It’s about making banking approachable, relevant, and empowering.

Built for Today and for Their Future

One of the most important things for parents and students to understand is this:

These are personal accounts held directly with Volt Credit Union, not the school.

While accounts are opened as part of a classroom experience, Hillcrest High School does not manage, access, or store student account information. These accounts belong entirely to the student and remain with them long after graduation.

That means students can:

• Use their account for direct deposit from a job
• Continue banking with Volt into adulthood
• Grow their savings and financial independence over time

Safe, Secure, and Trusted

We know trust matters, especially when it comes to your child’s financial future.

Volt Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA, and all accounts are protected using the same secure systems and processes as any account opened at a Volt branch. Students’ personal information is handled with the highest level of care and security.

Investing in Our Community’s Future

Volt Credit Union Hillcrest High School partnership is about more than accounts, it’s about opportunity.

By combining education, access, and real-world experience, we’re helping students build a strong financial foundation early in life. And thanks to the support of the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, we’re able to expand that impact even further.

Learn More About Volt at Hillcrest

Volt’s Hillcrest High School branch, launched in 2024, is the first student-led credit union or bank in Missouri, putting real financial experience directly into students’ hands.

Curious about how it works or interested in student accounts? Visit our Hillcrest branch page to see how Volt is empowering students, building financial confidence, and making a meaningful impact both inside the school and throughout the community.