Student Credit Union Opens at Hilo High

The Hawai´i Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) has partnered with Hilo High School to bring financial services to the Viking campus.

The Hilo High Student Credit Union (SCU) recently opened in the school library and is sponsored by HCFCU. It is open when school is in session during lunch hours.

“We had planned to open the Hilo High Student Credit Union (SCU) last year. However, due to the pandemic, it was pushed back,” said Tricia Buskirk, HCFCU President and CEO. “We are so happy to give the graduating seniors who worked hard to get this student credit union started an opportunity gain life skills and earn an income before
they graduate. I have fond memories of working at the Konawaena High SCU when I was a student there.”

The Student Credit Union operates an on-campus branch where students can conduct financial transactions such as opening an account and making deposits and withdrawals. The SCU is run by a volunteer board of directors made up of students.

The board attends monthly meetings held on campus to foster the growth of their SCU and to promote financial literacy. The SCU follows health and safety guidelines that are implemented at all Hawai´i Community Federal Credit Union branches. The SCU members are serviced by Hilo HS students and are employed by HCFCU as SCU tellers.

“Our students at Hilo High School are fortunate to have Hawai´i Community Federal Credit Union as a partner and physically on our campus,” said Hilo HS Principal Jasmine Urasaki. “Giving our students the opportunity to experience real banking services at a very convenient location makes planning for their future easier.”

Along with an SCU advisor from HCFCU’s Hilo Branch, student tellers are supported by Charlene Masuhara, student activity coordinator, and Drew Fernandez, math teacher, who also serve as Hilo High School SCU advisors. In addition to employment, participating students can gain skills in leadership and career-building and are eligible for HCFCU scholarships that are exclusive to active SCU program participants.

In 1972, HCFCU was the first credit union in the state of Hawai´i to establish a student credit union at Konawaena High School. HCFCU opened an SCU at Kealakehe High School in 2005 and Kohala High School in 2006. Hilo High School is its fourth SCU on Hawai´i Island.

Students interested in the Hilo High School Student Credit Union program, may contact Charlene Masuhara at (808) 313-5523,