Anderson 3’s partnership with Upstate Federal Credit Union is giving students more than a place to open an account. It is giving them real-world experience, practical financial knowledge, and the confidence to make informed decisions long after graduation.
Crescent High School is home to Crescent Financial, a student-run credit union branch made possible through a partnership between Anderson 3 and Upstate Federal Credit Union. Now in its first full school year, the branch gives students the opportunity to learn about saving, spending, deposits, account management, customer service, and financial responsibility in a hands-on setting.
The program was recently featured by WYFF News 4 in a story highlighting both the Crescent Financial partnership and the work of recent Crescent graduate Lilly Cook, who is helping bring financial literacy lessons to younger students in a fun and memorable way.
Cook, who has been part of the student-led financial education effort, created a piglet puppet named LES to help teach elementary students about money. LES stands for “Learn It, Earn It, Save It,” a simple phrase that helps students understand the importance of balancing saving and spending.
Through classroom visits, Cook and LES are helping introduce financial literacy concepts to students at an early age. Her creativity has become a meaningful example of the larger goal behind Crescent Financial: helping students build healthy financial habits before they enter adulthood.
Crescent Financial also gives high school students the opportunity to put lessons from the school’s financial literacy curriculum into practice. Through the student-run branch, students can open accounts, make deposits, and gain a better understanding of how financial institutions work. For just $5, Crescent students have the opportunity to open a checking and savings account, giving them access to tools that can help build financial confidence and independence.
The branch is staffed by student workers who receive training and guidance from Upstate Federal Credit Union professionals. Students gain experience in areas such as financial operations, customer service, leadership, marketing, and business management, all while supporting their peers.
For Anderson 3, the partnership reflects a commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom.
“We are thrilled to partner with Upstate Federal Credit Union to offer this unique opportunity to our students,” said Kathy Hipp, Superintendent of Anderson 3. “Financial literacy can be a huge piece of breaking cycles of poverty for our students. This initiative further advances our commitment to ensuring students are college and career-ready and can be successful in post-secondary.”
Upstate Federal Credit Union President and CEO Donna Metz also emphasized the importance of introducing financial education early and providing students with real-life opportunities to practice what they are learning.
“Financial literacy is a cornerstone of lifelong success,” Metz said. “We’re proud to partner with Crescent High School to provide students with a hands-on learning experience that will empower them to make informed financial decisions and build a strong foundation for their future.”
Anderson 3 is grateful for Lilly Cook’s leadership and creativity, the dedication of the Crescent Financial student team, and the continued support of Upstate Federal Credit Union. Together, this partnership is helping make financial literacy more accessible, meaningful, and practical for students across the district.
Through Crescent Financial, Tigers are not only learning about money. They are building skills, confidence, and independence for life after graduation.