New Hope Credit Union Branch at Provine High School Officially Opens

JACKSON, MS – Hope Credit Union (HOPE), Jackson Public Schools and Alignment Jackson on Tuesday, Oct. 10, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Provine High School-Hope Credit Union Branch, the first student-run credit union branch in Jackson, Miss. 

In 2014, HOPE began working with JPS and Alignment Jackson’s Business and Finance Academy program to establish a student-run branch. Alignment Jackson’s academy structure is designed to give students real-world experiences.

Over the past three years, HOPE has touched some 80 students as part of the program. Nearly two dozen students have met with HOPE managers to learn about careers in finance. The students’ work in the branch is part of their curriculum for Capstone and Odysseyware courses at Provine High School.

“The project provides students with hands-on experience with all facets of operating a financial institution, while building the financial capacity of Provine High students, staff and stakeholders,” said HOPE CEO Bill Bynum.

Faculty and staff are eligible to open accounts at the school location during branch hours, which are two days a week, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Students age 18 and older also may open accounts at the school location.  In addition, HOPE will provide financial literacy counseling to students, faculty and staff.

“We are grateful for this partnership with Hope Credit Union,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Freddrick Murray. “This is an excellent opportunity for our high school academy students to get first-hand knowledge and experience on the operations of a financial institution. The innovation of the student-run bank fits into our goals of producing college-ready, career-prepared graduates.”

“Alignment Jackson and United Way of the Capital Area are truly excited about the Hope Credit Union branch being a part of Provine High School,” said Nikki K. McCelleis, Director of Initiatives for United Way of the Capital Area. “The learning opportunities that students will be afforded are limitless. We look forward to our continued partnership as we provide our scholars with finance and business skills necessary for future careers.”

The Academies of Jackson started with the freshman class of 2014-2015, who will graduate May of 2018. The Academies of Jackson allow educators to teach and students to learn in small, evidence-based learning communities that have proven to increase rigor, relevance, and relationships students need to thrive in today’s global and competitive world.

Also attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Mississippi Credit Union Association President and CEO Charles Elliot and Vice President Cheryl Oggs; Hope Enterprise Corporation Board Chairman Mike Espy and Hope Credit Union Board Chairman Robert Gibbs; City of Jackson Chief Administrative Officer Robert Blaine and Pastor Tony Ware of the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership.

Blaine and Ware presented Bynum with a plaques to mark the occasion and the new business in the City of Jackson.