Huntsville, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Redstone Federal Credit Union has launched the first student-run branch in Huntsville City Schools at Mae Jemison High School. This initiative, which began in 2017, aims to enhance financial literacy among students. Led by a business teacher and a team of students, the branch provides hands-on experience with banking operations, focusing on fostering essential financial skills and soft skills necessary for future careers. The program has also awarded substantial scholarships to participants and continues to expand its reach across North Alabama and Middle Tennessee.
Huntsville Welcomes Student-Run Credit Union at Mae Jemison High School
Redstone Federal Credit Union has opened a new student-run branch inside Mae Jemison High School in Huntsville. This opening marks a significant milestone as it is the first student-run Redstone Federal Credit Union branch in the Huntsville City Schools. The Mae Jemison High School credit union is also the 10th of its kind in North Alabama and Central Tennessee.
The establishment of this branch is part of a larger initiative that has been active since 2017, spearheaded by advocates who see the importance of financial literacy among students. Huntsville City Councilmember Michelle Watkins has been a vocal supporter of the project since 2019, highlighting its value to the student community.
Operation and Structure of the Branch
The credit union’s operations at Mae Jemison High School are led by Latoya Bell, a business education teacher, along with a team of nine high-achieving students. Students participating in the program will gain hands-on experience working at the branch during a financial literacy class that meets three times a week. This program aims to prepare students for independent living and financial responsibility, offering them a practical learning environment.
Transactions at the student-run branch are accessible to Mae Jemison students, parents, visitors, staff, and faculty. The program is designed to impart crucial skills beyond merely managing money. According to Redstone Federal Credit Union Executive Nathan Lombard, participants will also learn soft skills and professional conduct which are essential in any career.
Training and Responsibilities
Students involved in the program undergo a comprehensive training course designed to equip them with the necessary skills for operating a bank and interacting with customers effectively. As part of their responsibilities, students will handle small transactions, including deposits and withdrawals, while maintaining banking records that are regularly evaluated for accuracy.
This experiential learning opportunity is focused on building confidence in students and preparing them for future careers. Mae Jemison High student Ava Brown expressed that participating in this program has influenced her career aspirations and sparked a keen interest in banking.
Program Impact and Reach
Since its inception, Redstone Federal Credit Union has hired nine former student workers from the program and awarded $88,000 in scholarships to participating students. Presently, the program extends across 10 high schools and three colleges in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, having trained a total of 356 students to date.
Conclusion
The opening of the Mae Jemison High School branch highlights the ongoing commitment of Redstone Federal Credit Union to foster financial literacy and provide real-world experiences for students. Through this program, students acquire essential skills that prepare them for future success in both personal finance and career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the new student-run credit union at Mae Jemison High School?
The opening marks the first student-run Redstone Federal Credit Union branch in Huntsville City Schools, serving as a practical learning environment for students to develop financial literacy and professional skills.
Who operates the credit union branch?
The credit union branch operations are led by business education teacher Latoya Bell along with nine high-achieving students.
What kind of transactions can students handle at the branch?
Students will handle small transactions, including deposits and withdrawals, while maintaining accurate banking records.
What is the goal of the student-run credit union program?
The program aims to prepare students for independent living and financial responsibility through hands-on experience in a professional environment.
Key Features of the Student-Run Credit Union
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Mae Jemison High School, Huntsville |
| Firsts | First student-run branch in Huntsville City Schools |
| Established | Part of a program active since 2017 |
| Eligibility | Open to students, parents, visitors, staff, and faculty |
| Training | Students undergo training to handle banking operations and customer interaction |
| Scholarships | $88,000 awarded to student participants |
| Reach | 10 high schools and 3 colleges across North Alabama and Middle Tennessee |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Redstone Federal Credit Union Opens First of Its Kind Branch in Huntsville
- Hville Blast: Redstone High School Credit Union
- WAFF: Redstone Federal Credit Union Opens Student-Run Branch
- Wikipedia: Financial Literacy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Credit Union
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
