In-school bank branch provides Bensalem students with hands-on personal finance education

On Nov. 17, Bensalem Twp. SD administrators, and TruMark Financial representatives, along with members of Sen. Tomlinson and Rep. Fitzpatrick’s staff participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new branch located within the halls of Bensalem High School. The student branch encourages young people to begin financial relationships and educates them on the value of saving money. Student ambassadors work under the supervision of a TruMark Financial employee and experience what it’s like to work in a financial setting. Students can deposit money, cash a check, make a withdrawal and even set up direct deposit to their credit union account.

The student branch is an opportunity to expand the credit union’s financial education efforts within the school. Often viewed as a “financial laboratory,” the student branch provides limitless learning opportunities. “We are happy to partner with Bensalem High School and bring real world financial literacy into the school. By providing students with a better understanding of the basics of finance — how to save, budget and invest — we are giving them the tools to manage their money more responsibly,” said Richard F. Stipa, chief executive officer, TruMark Financial. William Ferrara, BHS principal said, “One of the hidden benefits of the credit union in the high school is that the student workers can share their knowledge with their classmates. We are grateful for the TruMark partnership.”