>I came across an article in the Ozaukee Press explaining how Kohler Credit Union may open a high school branch at Port Washington High School, located outside of Milwaukee, WI. It got me thinking… why don’t credit unions do the same thing on college campuses?

High school branches have been successful across the country. In fact, Kohler Credit Union has been operating a high school branch in a separate school for the past 2 years, according to the Ozaukee Press article. So, is it a giant leap of faith that a similar model would work for college campuses?

Credit unions that are 100% student operated have existed for a number of years and have run into a number of difficulties. As a result only a few remain today. But where campus credit unions have met difficulty, an established credit union will be able to deliver the resources and guidance needed for the student-run branch to remain effective on a college campus.

What about gaining access on campus? Tons of schools partner with banks for exclusive rights, so depending on the school, gaining access could be difficult. But the same benefits that have swayed high school officials would be compelling to college administrators.

Designed and promoted as an educational tool, a student-run branch at a university would provide students the opportunity to learn about money management and about credit unions. As part of a Co-Op/internship program, students who work at the credit union would be trained at other credit union branches, are paid, and can receive school credit for their efforts. This mirrors successful high school programs such as Kohler Credit Union’s program.

It seems like a great opportunity for all involved, so why don’t credit unions embrace this idea, as they have embraced high school branches?