Iva, SC – Anderson 3 and Upstate Federal Credit Union are excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership to establish a school-based credit union on Crescent High School’s campus. The innovative partnership will provide students with hands-on financial literacy opportunities equipping them with essential money management skills for life beyond the classroom.
Tiger Financial, powered by Upstate Federal Credit Union, plans to launch in August 2025 and will be Anderson County’s first school-based financial project. The program will not only offer traditional Credit Union services to students, staff, and faculty but will also serve as an educational hub where students can gain real-world experience in financial operations, customer service, and business management. Student workers will be given the opportunity to work in the school-based branch under the supervision of Upstate Federal professionals. Students have been interviewed and selected to fill roles as branch managers, tellers, marketers, and more.
“We are thrilled to partner with Upstate Federal Credit Union to offer this unique opportunity to our students,” said Kathy Hipp, Superintendent of Anderson 3. “Financial literacy can be a huge piece of breaking cycles of poverty for our students. This initiative further advances our commitment to ensuring students are college and career-ready and can be successful in post-secondary.”
The school-based credit union will be student-run, where students will receive training and mentorship from Upstate Federal Credit Union employees. In addition to fostering a deeper understanding of financial systems, the partnership will include workshops and seminars on topics such as budgeting, saving, credit building, and responsible spending.
“Financial literacy is a cornerstone of lifelong success,” said Upstate Federal Credit Union President Donna Metz. “We’re proud to partner with Crescent High School to provide students with a hands-on learning experience that will empower them to make informed financial decisions and build a strong foundation for their future. Upstate Federal’s commitment to supporting the communities we serve is evident in how we have grown and evolved over the last 60 years.”
About Upstate Federal Credit Union
Upstate Federal Credit Union (FCU) was chartered in 1965 as Orr Mill Credit Union before later becoming a federal charter in 1993 -and changing its name to Upstate Federal Credit Union. They proudly serve the Starr-Iva Community with a local branch on 81 South in Starr.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be scheduled for late July, and the community will be invited to attend and celebrate this exciting partnership.