PARIS, Texas–Credit Union of Texas (CUTX) has opened a student-run SMART branch inside North Lamar High School, the first-ever student-run branch inside a North Lamar ISD school.
The branch is to open in the fall of 2026.
According to the two organizations, the collaboration will become a key component of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program “designed to bring real-world financial experience directly to students—for students, by students.”
The SMART Branch model—standing for Servant leadership, Motivation, Active learning, Reasoning, and Technology—was created by CUTX in 2020 to help prepare students for life beyond high school, the credit union said.
Similar Mission
North Lamar’s SMART Branch will operate with the same mission: providing students with hands-on experience in banking, customer service, financial literacy, and workplace leadership. CUTX added, noting the new branch will be fully operated by North Lamar High School students, supported by one full-time CUTX employee.
A student employee will serve as manager, another as marketing and outreach specialist, and there will be a loan officer and tellers.
Service Menu
The branch will offer many of the same services available at traditional CUTX locations, including:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Auto loans
- Member service and account support
The SMART Branch will be available to all students, faculty, and the community during school hours,
According to CUTX, students selected to work in the SMART Branch will undergo a competitive application process. Selection criteria may include:
- Academic performance
- Public speaking skills
- Interest in business, finance, or marketing
- Dedication to volunteerism
- Teacher recommendations
- Interview evaluations
What Students Receive
Each student banker will receive a $1,000 scholarship per year of employment, earmarked for future education-related expenses.
CUTX said it has partnered with the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) to implement a customized version of its High School Financial Planning Program. Student employees will help lead modules covering:
- Budgeting and money management
- Credit and loans
- Investing
- Long-term financial planning
Additionally, CUTX professionals will provide regular informational sessions for North Lamar staff on topics such as refinancing, home equity loans, and auto financing.
‘Part of Our DNA’
“CUTX was founded by teachers, so our belief in the power of education to change lives is part of our DNA,” CUTX President and CEO Eric Pointer said in a statement. “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.”
