PARIS, Texas– Credit Union of Texas (CUTX) has partnered with North Lamar Independent School District (ISD) to open its fifth full-service, student-run SMART Branch inside North Lamar High School.
The new branch expands CUTX’s commitment to preparing students for lifelong financial success through hands-on banking experience and financial literacy education. It builds on the success of SMART Branch locations at Allen High School, Little Elm High School, Berkner High School in Richardson, and Gilmer High School.
The North Lamar High School SMART Branch opened on Aug. 11th, coinciding with the start of the 2026-27 school year. Staffed by 21 junior and senior student employees alongside one full-time CUTX employee, the branch will provide the same banking services available at traditional CUTX locations, including checking and savings accounts, auto loans and other financial services, to eligible students, faculty and staff throughout North Lamar ISD. This location will also be open to the public and will serve as CUTX’s second location in Paris. Banking services will be available during regular school hours, and the branch is conveniently located beside the main office entrance at North Lamar High School.
Named for its focus on Servant leadership, Motivation, Active learning, Reasoning and Technology, the SMART Branch program equips students with practical financial knowledge while providing real-world work experience. Student employees serve in roles including bank managers, tellers and marketers. Before the branch opens, each student employee will complete intensive training in banking operations, marketing, member service and financial literacy.
“Teachers founded CUTX, so our belief in the power of education to change lives is part of our DNA,” said Eric Pointer, President & CEO of Credit Union of Texas. “Opening a SMART Branch in North Lamar ISD continues that legacy by giving students practical financial skills, exposure to potential career paths, and the confidence to chart their own path forward. We’re honored to support the students of North Lamar ISD and the greater Paris community.”
CUTX selected the student employees based on several criteria, including their interest in business or marketing, academic achievement, volunteerism, teacher recommendations, communication skills and interviews. Each student employee receives a $1,000 scholarship for future education-related expenses for every year they are employed with the SMART Branch. Junior-level student employees are eligible to reapply for future employment, provided they continue to meet program qualifications. CUTX also considers SMART Branch students for future career opportunities within the credit union.
Pay for Grades Program
Like all other CUTX SMART Branch locations, the North Lamar High School branch will participate in the Pay for Grades program. This semiannual initiative rewards students for strong academic performance by depositing $25 for every A and $5 for every B into their CUTX account. To participate, students must maintain an active CUTX account and submit their current report card.
Beyond banking services, the SMART Branch serves as a financial literacy hub for the campus. Student employees act as peer financial literacy coaches, helping educate fellow students on important personal finance topics. CUTX partners with the ISD to deliver customized financial literacy content. Throughout the school year, students will participate in presentations covering budgeting, saving, credit, loans, investing and other essential financial topics. CUTX employees will also provide educational workshops for North Lamar ISD faculty and staff on topics such as home equity lending, refinancing and auto loans.
“We are excited about the future Smart Branch at North Lamar High School. The partnership with Credit Union of Texas will allow our students to gain hands-on banking experience while learning about financial literacy through a career pathway program. We hope that our students gain financial skills that they will utilize in their future,” said Kelli Stewart, North Lamar ISD Superintendent.
