Richardson ISD opened a Credit Union of Texas branch on its Lloyd V. Berkner High School and STEM Academy campus in September.
CUTX SMART branches are completely operated by students and help provide real-world experiences without having to leave campus. They focus on servant leadership, motivation, active learning, reasoning and technology, according to CUTX.
The branch will be the first of its kind in Dallas County. There are two other locations at Little Elm High School and Allen High School.
RISD estimated about a dozen students will work at the location. Each student will get a $1,000 scholarship from CUTX after completing a one-year program.
The purpose of this SMART branch is to help students excel in financial literacy and prepare them for life.
“It provides the real-world experiences that you can’t always get in a textbook or within the walls of a classroom,” said Carrie Saunders, director of community engagement, at the  board meeting earlier this year.
Students will learn many valuable lessons. Some include balancing a checkbook, savings plans, the concept of credit and loans, creating a budget and many other things.
Construction of the bank began earlier this year in the spring. Students were able to apply through the spring semester as well as summer.
It is a fully functioning bank with checks and balances in place, open from 9 a.m – 4:20 p.m. during the school year. Students will go through thorough training and will also be overseen by Berkner CTE teachers and an on-site manager.
