Wildcats of finance: Student-run credit branch opens for ninth year

For nine years, students at Mount Si High School have learned the fundamentals of finance at the Wildcat Branch of Sno Falls Credit Union.

Operated and staffed by students from the school accounting program, the branch re-opened for the school year on Sept. 27. Branch hours are 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Sno Falls Credit Union worked with Mount Si High to start the branch. Students in Kim Sales’ Accounting I and II classes earn college credit, and explore marketing, accounting, and business management.

Some go on to find jobs in the industry. For example, Tanel Neff, a program graduate, now works for Sno Falls and serves as an advisor for the Wildcat Branch.

“We’re delighted that many of those students also work at our other branches during high school, some while they go to college,” Sno Falls CEO Linda Larion said.

Students ages 16 to 17 may open a free checking account with a co-signer, and also get a Visa debit card.

Staff said the credit union is committed to youth education.

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