Would you have paid closer attention in high school math if you knew that it would have a direct impact on your finances? We thought so.

In our continuing commitment to the community we serve, Allegacy announces the grand opening of the Atkins Student Credit Union. The launch of the campus branch is an extension of our partnership in education with Simon G. Atkins Academic and Technology High School and a manifestation of our mission to teach students about financial literacy early in life.

"With all the negative financial news of late, it is exciting to be a part of an effort to provide students with practical money management skills that will have a lasting impact on their personal and professional future," says Ike Keener, Allegacy President and CEO. "Allegacy is proud of its partnership with Atkins and the financial literacy it will provide to the entire student body."

The grand opening of the student-run credit union took place on April 13, with local dignitaries including Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donald L. Martin, Jr. and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. June Atkinson in attendance. Nine students staff the campus branch as part of Atkins’ financial literacy and marketing curriculum and help to serve the more than 60 students that have already joined the credit union.

"We are delighted to offer the student-run credit union at Simon G. Atkins High School. We plan to take full advantage of this ‘teachable moment’ provided to us by Allegacy," says Atkins’ Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey Parris. "Now perhaps as never before it is essential to provide students the experience of learning financial responsibility."

See local news coverage of Atkins Student Credit Union from WXII12, WFMY News 2 and News 14 Carolina.

View more photos from the Allegacy page on Facebook.