HOWELL, Mich. -
Howell High School at Parker Campus opened to significant fanfare this fall as Michigan's high school of the future, as much for its high-tech, open-campus approach to learning as for its partnership with area businesses in an attempt to better provide a real-world context to education. On Oct. 1, LOC FCU, one of several business partners and the only financial institution, will begin operations in a full-service branch within the school walls.
The 1,000-square-foot facility, which will support a staff of eight student employees, will not only serve the school population, but also area residents who qualify for membership, according to Debbie Mashinske, LOC's VP-marketing who will oversee branch operations.
"From what we understand, this is the first full-service student branch in the area and perhaps the nation with full-time hours and public access," said Mashinske, a 33-year industry veteran. Mashinske began discussions with the school district in 2003, but construction didn't begin until 2005. LOC FCU was given four walls, a ceiling and carpeting on the floor. The rest of the buildout was the institution's responsibility, Mashinske said. She declined to disclose how much the CU spent on the branch.
"It was a little like moving into a strip mall," Mashinske said. LOC FCU captured a third of the 3,000 square feet devoted to the school's business partners. In addition to the high school, Lansing Community College also shares the Parker Campus, giving the credit union more potential members to tap, she added.
By Oct. 1 the branch will be fully functional with three teller windows, two service cubicles where members can discuss loans, and an ATM with public access. The eight-student staff will operate the branch from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday in exchange for academic credit and several may have the chance to work for pay during the summer months, Mashinske said.
The initial roster of student employees was based on high school faculty recommendations, but Mashinske was careful to stress that they all need not be high achievers.
"There may be an opportunity to help some students who are currently struggling to find their niche," said Machinske, who experienced success employing struggling students at the credit union's other in-school operations. All students employed will gain a comprehensive knowledge of CU operations and marketing, she said.
The branch concept began as a way to reach high school students and improve their knowledge about managing money, but it has evolved into a more viable development avenue for LOC FCU, which already has three branches in Michigan's Livingston and Oakland counties.
"There's no other financial institutions in the area and this happens to be a great location for us," Machinske said.
