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Student-Run Branches

Innovative Educational Opportunities For Students

In 2011, Atomic Credit Union opened its first three student-run credit unions within the Jackson City Schools elementary buildings.  Atomic was the first in the state of Ohio to open a student-run credit union within an elementary school. Today, Atomic is a proud partner with 28 school districts and operates 71 Student-Run Credit Union branches. During the 2022-2023 school year, over 600 student employees processed 20,333 transactions, helping students save a total of $186,959.35.

This unique program consists of a full-service Atomic Credit Union branch inside the school. Our student-run credit unions are managed by students with the supervision of an Atomic employee. Student employees gain hands-on experience on how to run a branch and they perform duties of the various positions available at a financial institution. Not only does this program teach valuable skills to the students working at their student-run branch, it also gives all students real-life lessons in savings and finance. Some valuable skills include:

  • Resume writing and interviewing techniques
  • Professionalism and team work
  • Developing responsibility and leadership skills                      
  • Increasing student confidence
  • Counting money efficiently                                                                                     
  • Providing financial education classroom presentations
  • Importance of having healthy savings habits
  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Increase math skills and more

What Members can use a Student-Run Credit Union Branch

Only students are able to open an account, make deposits and do withdrawals at our student-run credit union branches. Students are encouraged to open an account to save for events such as holiday gift giving, field trip expenses, college savings or sporting activities.


Account applications are available and can be turned in at each student-run credit union branch. In addition, accounts can be opened at any Atomic Credit Union branch location or online under our “Open an Account” tab. Student under the age of 16 need a parent/guardian's proof of identification and their Social Security number. If the student is already a member of Atomic Credit Union, it is not necessary to open another account.

Benefits of having a Student-Run Account

  • Atomic Credit Union gives you the first $2.00 for signing up.
  • No minimum amount required to start your savings account.
  • Earn increased interest for youth accounts.
  • No fees for youth accounts.
  • Free pouch organizer or savings register.
  • Eligible to earn scholarships from Atomic Credit Union as a senior in high school.

Participating Schools

Student Run Logos