By: Lena

Lena @ 9:16 am

Michigan First Credit Union Receives Generation Next Award for Youth-Focused Financial Initiatives

Michigan First Credit Union has been awarded the 2007 Generation Next Award, in recognition of its “overall achievement in outstanding contributions to the credit union youth movement” and for “effectively bridging the gap for the next generation of credit union members.”

The Generation Next Award is presented annually by the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL). This year’s award was presented by Mike Bridges, MCUL director of public affairs, at the recent MCUL Metro West Chapter luncheon.

Michigan First has a long history of commitment and involvement with youth activities and programs. Its student-run branch program has grown to 10 elementary and middle schools, and there are plans to add 10 more school locations in 2008. Michigan First also has a branch in Southfield-Lathrup High School that employs the students. Through its MoneyKids (ages 0-12) and MoneyTeen (ages 13-17) programs, Michigan First encourages children and teens to save money and teaches financial responsibility that grows with them.

In addition, Michigan First also provides scholarship programs for local high school seniors and sponsors many community initiatives and groups, including the Good Schools Essay Contest presented by the Skillman Foundation and the Good Schools Resource Center at Marygrove College, Detroit Metro Youth Day, Southfield Lathrup Junior Optimist Club and Career Day program, Detroit Public School Chess program, Detroit Executive Service Corps and a number of other initiatives.

Criteria for the Generation Next Award includes progressive efforts through areas such as classroom involvement, legislative efforts regarding financial literacy, student-run credit unions, and youth account services and/or staffing.

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By: Lena

Lena @ 11:03 am

Michigan First recently opened a student branch in University Preparatory Academy Elementary School. The Detroit school is the newest student branch participating in the Credit Union’s program. The Michigan First student branches allow students to make deposits and open new accounts in their schools. Michigan First, which has been operating student branches since 2000, currently has 11 student branches in elementary and middle schools in the metro area. The Credit Union also has a student-run branch in Southfield-Lathrup High School where students are paid employees of Michigan First.

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Lena @ 12:59 pm

The Internet gives buyers access to a world of goods and services, and gives sellers access to a world of customers. Unfortunately, the Internet also gives con artists the very same access. Find out some caution tips you can follow to minimize your chance of being defrauded when online.

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By: Lena

Lena @ 1:08 pm

Michigan First is committed to providing you with financial education designed to help you manage your finances in the best possible manner. Throughout the year we offer many free educational seminars related to financial topics. You do not need to be a member of Michigan First Credit Union to attend and you can always bring guests with you. We provide refreshments as well as a free prizes that you can win if you attend the seminar.

It is important that you register with the Credit Union prior to attending. Call 248-443-4600, 313-345-7200 or 800-664-3828 to register.

• Seminar: Retirement Planning

March 19

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 pm.

Community Room (Evergreen Branch)

• Seminar: Home Buying Part 2

March 25

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 pm.

Community Room (Evergreen Branch)

• Seminar: Credit Awareness

April 22

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 pm.

Community Room (Evergreen Branch)

• Seminar: Marriage and Your Money

April 30

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 pm.

Community Room (Evergreen Branch)

• Seminar: Identity Theft

May 15

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 pm.

Community Room (Evergreen Branch)

• Seminar: Long Term Care

May 21

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 pm.

Community Room (Evergreen Branch)

Schedule is subject to change.

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Lena @ 11:40 am

Fake check scams could cost you thousands of dollars. Click here to learn about some common and dangerous scams

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By: Lena

Lena @ 2:42 pm

Crescent Academy started out with a bang on October 5th, 2007 opening 38 new accounts with over $600.00 in deposits. Twelve student employees will maintain the branch which will be located in the Library. The branch will be open every Friday morning.

Michigan First Credit Union and Southfield Public Schools have partnered to provide deposit transactions in the following student-run branches at:

Morris Adler Elementary (19100 Filmore Street, Southfield, MI)

Adler Stevenson Elementary (27777 Lahser Road, Southfield, MI)

Alice Birney Middle School (27225 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI)

Brace Lederle School (18575 W. 9 Mile, Southfield, MI)

Crescent Academy (17570 West 12 Mile, Southfield, MI)

Laurus Academy (24590 Lahser Road, Southfield, MI)

Leonhard Elementary (20900 Independence, Southfield, MI)

Levey Middle School (25300 W. 9 Mile, Southfield, MI)

MacArthur Academy University (24501 Frederick, Southfield, MI)

McIntyre Elementary (19600 Saratoga, Southfield, MI)

Stevenson Elementary (27777 Lahser Road, Southfield, MI)

Southfield High School (24675 Lahser Road, Southfield, MI)

University Prep (600 Antoinette, Detroit, MI)

Southfield-Lathrup High School (19301 West 12 Mile Rd., Southfield, MI)

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By: Lena

Lena @ 12:37 pm

Michigan First Credit Union recently helped seven Southfield elementary and middle schools celebrate their achievements in operating their student branches, with a pancake breakfast and awards ceremony. The program is held annually at the end of the school year to recognize the students’ accomplishments and to congratulate them on the money they deposited into their savings accounts through the program. It is also a time to recognize the school that opened the most new accounts and had the most deposit dollars.

This year, Stevenson Elementary School won the award for the most new accounts opened as well as the most in deposit dollars, as they recruited 54 new accounts and collected over $16,000 in student deposits. Overall, the seven schools generated over $39,000 in student deposits with an additional $2,500 from the 160 new accounts that were opened.

Prior to the breakfast and awards ceremony, students were challenged to memorize the Mission, Vision and Core Value Statement of the Credit Union. This year’s challenge winner was Jennifer Wardell of Leonhard Elementary, who recited the statement in front of all the attendees. Jennifer was presented with a Beanie Baby and gift card. After the breakfast, students received a tour of the offices in the Michigan First headquarters.

Students participating in the program hold various positions including Branch Managers, Assistant Managers, Tellers, Computer Operators, Bookkeepers and Greeters. This year, over 140 students applied for these positions. On school banking days, which are supervised by Michigan First employees, students wear Michigan First logo shirts and name badges.

The schools and principals participating in the Credit Union’s student-run branch program include Alder Elementary, Janet Jones, Principal; Birney Middle School, Sterling Russell, Principal; Brace-Lederle K-8 School, Andrea Hamlar, Principal; Laurus Academy, Raul Calderon, Principal; Leonhard Elementary, Vicki Perry, Principal; McIntyre Elementary, Greg Kubasiewicz, Principal; and Stevenson Elementary, Dr. B. K. Hentrel, Principal.

Since the Michigan First Student Branch Program began in 2001, it has had great success. Michael Poulos, President/CEO of Michigan First states, “The success of the program is due to building solid educational partnerships and assisting schools in our field of membership with educating young people about the benefits of credit union membership and how to save and manage money.”

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