FRESNO, Calif. – Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its full-service student branch at Clovis West High School, a unique partnership with the school district that has prepared hundreds of students for careers in banking and business while allowing them to earn high school and college credit.
Since opening in 2016, the Clovis West student branch has provided juniors and seniors with hands-on experience operating a fully functioning financial institution on campus. Through Clovis Unified School District’s Business and Finance Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathway, students develop real-world workplace skills by assisting EECU members under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Over the past decade, 290 students have participated in the program, gaining customer service, financial, and leadership skills while earning high school and college credit through dual enrollment with the State Center Community College District.
“The Clovis West student branch represents everything we hope to achieve through community partnerships,” said EECU President and CEO Elizabeth J. Dooley. “For the past 10 years, we’ve been able to give students real-world work experience while helping them build confidence, develop professionally, and explore rewarding career opportunities.”
Many graduates have gone on to pursue careers in finance, business, and related fields, while others have continued their education with practical workplace experience and professional skills.Eighty studentshave been hired for temporary paid positions with EECU and 27 have continued their careers with the credit union after graduation.
“Opening the Clovis West student branch in 2016 and watching it grow over the past 10 years has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Clovis West Branch Manager Christy Alkire. “I’ve seen hundreds of students walk through our doors wanting to develop workforce skills and by the end of the program they’re carrying themselves like seasoned professionals. Seeing so many of them return as EECU employees or launch successful careers is incredibly rewarding.”
The 2026-27 student branch team is just beginning another exciting school year, continuing a tradition that has benefited students for the past decade.
