Telcoe Federal Credit Union opens “Hornet Branch” at Maumelle High School

Student-led branch opens in partnership with Academies of Central Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, AR (August 16, 2024) — The Academies of Central Arkansas today announced the opening of a student-run branch operated by Telcoe Federal Credit Union at Maumelle High School. Students in the Telcoe Federal Credit Union Academy of Business and Service at Maumelle High School will receive hands-on, experiential learning through this investment by Telcoe on the Maumelle High School campus. Today’s official opening of the Hornet Branch follows the announcement of the partnership between Telcoe, Maumelle High School and the Pulaski County Special School District in May 2023 as part of the Academies of Central Arkansas.

The opening of the office on the Maumelle High School campus and ongoing training and operational support complement Telcoe’s existing commitment to provide enhanced learning opportunities for students during their four years at Maumelle High School. Telcoe has also committed to providing guest speakers for students of all grades, participating in the annual career fair, hosting students and teachers on industry field trips, and providing on-the-job observation and internship opportunities for Maumelle High School students.

Michele Beasley, Senior Vice President at Telcoe Federal Credit Union, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Maumelle High School to open our student-led branch. This initiative reflects our commitment to providing young people with practical financial skills and real-world experience. We believe this collaboration will not only benefit students, but also enrich our community as a whole.”

The Academies of Central Arkansas are a joint initiative of the four public school districts in Pulaski County and the regional business community. In 2019, the Jacksonville North Pulaski, Little Rock, North Little Rock and Pulaski County special education districts, along with the five Pulaski County Chambers of Commerce and business and community leaders, began establishing high school academies in all of the county’s public high schools, serving all students.

“We are excited to open the Telcoe Academy of Business and Service at Maumelle High School, where students can gain valuable hands-on experience by operating their own school-owned credit union,” said Jay Chesshir, president and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. “This innovative initiative is groundbreaking and provides students with hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for successful lives and potential future careers. We thank Telcoe Federal Credit Union for their strong commitment to our students and community.”

“The opportunity to witness the opening of a Telcoe FCU branch at Maumelle High School provides unprecedented opportunities for our students and Telcoe,” said Dr. Charles McNulty, PCSSD Superintendent. “This partnership will provide great opportunities for our professionals, students and families as they advance our high school academies and programs and venture into their future endeavors.”

Reihanna Chatmon, an 11th grader at Maumelle High Schoolth Grader interned at Telcoe Federal Credit Union this summer and said this about her experience: “The welcoming environment and excellent member service at Telcoe Federal Credit Union created a supportive space for me to learn and grow and made for an incredible first professional experience.”

Although the implementation of the Academies of Central Arkansas will take several years to fully roll out, it is strong partnerships like this one that will take our transformation to the next level. Once fully implemented, this approach to education will help transform high schools for all students across the four school districts. The Little Rock Regional Chamber continues to actively seek business partners for all Academy High Schools. Businesses interested in more information can contact the Chamber directly or visit www.academiesofcentralarkansas.org.