Volt @ Hillcrest High School

Photo caption: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for new Hillcrest Branch on Thursday, May 2, 2024. 

Media:

2024

Volt opens new branch inside Hillcrest High School, Springfield Business Journal, May 10, 2024

Hillcrest partners with Volt on first student-operated credit union branch in Missouri, News-Leader, May 3, 2024

Credit union opens for business inside Hillcrest High School, Springfield Daily Citizen, May 3, 2024

Volt Credit Union, Hillcrest celebrate first student-run credit union in Missouri, SPS.ORG website, May 2, 2024

Springfield Hillcrest High opening the state’s first student-run credit union starting next fall  Mar. 6, 2024 KY3

Springfield Public Schools Facebook post re: SPS University event March 6, 2024

2023

SPS shares plan to open credit union at Hillcrest; Jan. 26, 2023 SPS

At Hillcrest, SPS to open first student-run high school credit union in Missouri; Jan. 27, 2023 SBJ

Volt Credit Union to open branch at Hillcrest; January 30, 2023 | 12:06 pm News-Leader

Cha-ching: Hillcrest High School will get Missouri’s first student-run credit union; Jan. 30, 2023 SGF Daily Citizen

Frequently Asked Questions re: Hillcrest & Volt Credit Union Partnership

This unique partnership between Volt Credit Union, Springfield Public Schools, and Hillcrest High School further solidifies our commitment to our core values of learning and serving. We believe that financial literacy and personal financial management are important life skills that will benefit these students well into their futures. The opportunity for students to be trained as credit union employees and gain real-world preparation in a professional environment is priceless, and we are thrilled to be launching this new program.  With the operation of the school branch during the school day, the entire student body will have direct access to financial education and services in a safe & secure environment.  While this model has been adopted by other schools in other states, this will be the first student ran high school credit union in the State of Missouri, and we at Volt cannot be prouder to begin this initiative to teach local students financial health and wellness and better serve our communities’ financial needs!

Where will the branch be located?

It is inside the newly renovated Hillcrest High School downstairs near the cafeteria entrance behind the staircase.

Can community members use it?

It is only for those students, faculty and staff who are part of the Hillcrest community during school hours.

When will the branch open?

It opened on April 29th, 2024.

How is the partnership funded?

Springfield Public Schools paid for the initial construction costs for the physical space.

Volt Credit Union provides equipment, software, staff and resources to run the branch.

Will this be a part of a class? Do the students get credit?  

Volt will be partnering with Hillcrest in various ways. Some options will include presentations related to financial literacy, building credit, workforce development skills, etc.

We also plan to have students working in the credit union as part of a class and offer work-based learning experiences. Over time, students will eligible to work and be paid at other Volt Credit Union branches outside of school.

Will students be paid?

The current model does not allow this option.  

Demographics of Hillcrest High School:

Hillcrest High School is a high school located at 3319 N. Grant Avenue in Springfield, Missouri. Hillcrest is one of five public high schools in Springfield Public Schools, which is the largest school district in the state of Missouri. It is located in the north part of Springfield. It was opened in 1958, but recently completed an over $30 million renovation. Around 1,100 students attend. Hillcrest follows a College & Career Academies model where all students are involved in work-based learning experiences.

Demographics of Volt Credit Union:

Volt Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative offering banking services, loans, mortgages, and investments for local community members of Springfield and the surrounding counties since 1935. As a federally insured state-chartered credit union headquartered in Springfield, MO, they have 2 branch locations and $88 million in total assets. Volt has close to 7,000 members and employs 22 full and part-time employees. For more information about Volt Credit Union, please visit www.voltcu.org, or call 417-862-0471.