Budding entrepreneurs help launch

credit union branch at Albany High

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 8, 2012) -- The credit union at Albany High School is officially in business.

The Falcon Branch of First New York Federal Credit Union -- so named for Albany High's mascot, the falcon -- enrolled its first customers Thursday at its location in the Parent Resource Center. (Click here to see YNN's coverage of the event.)

Staffed by student volunteers, the branch will be open Thursdays during the school's four lunch periods. The student volunteers will be overseen by staff mentors and a manager of the credit union's Albany branch, an Albany High grad herself.

As an opening-day draw, First New York gave $5 to every student and staff members that opened an account. The goal of the school-based credit union branch is to empower students to save, manage and be responsible for their own money.

The opening was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception. The celebration coincides with the credit union's 75th anniversary this month.

The mission of the City School District of Albany is to educate and nurture all students to be responsible citizens, critical thinkers and lifelong learners to successfully compete in the global community by providing an academically rigorous and safe environment in partnership with parents, students and the community. The district serves about 8,700 students in 15 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.