Archive: Business & Technology

Alternatives FCU’s Student Credit Union Now In All Ithaca Elementary Schools Ithaca, NY – Alternatives Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce the opening of a Student Credit Union branch at Ithaca’s South Hill Elementary School. The opening of the South Hill Branch marks the expansion of the Student Credit Union into all eight Ithaca City School District elementary schools.

South Hill’s new principal, Samantha Little, spearheaded the effort to bring Student Credit Union to the school. “It rocks!" she says.  "We are teaching students responsibility and accountability. Our credit union membership is growing every week. We are grateful to Alternatives Federal Credit Union for the opportunity to collaborate in preparing our students to be financially aware and responsible.”

Alternatives first began offering Student Credit Union accounts with special rates in 1990 and opened its first branch at a school in 2000. With the enthusiastic cooperation of dedicated parents, school staff, and student volunteers, Alternatives’ Community Development Educator Joe Cummins began branching into the elementary schools in 2005. With this final branch open, children throughout Ithaca can now learn the basics of money management and develop sound financial habits starting at their elementary schools. With funding from the Legacy Foundation, Cummins added a new savings opportunity in 2014 to help build wealth for kids who plan for future achievements. Youth who qualify for a free or reduced lunch can earn  10.00% APY by depositing $2 a week into a College Savers Club account.

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