Students at Riverside High School now have a unique chance to get a practical education in money management, thanks to the new VyStar Academy of Business that's set up shop on campus. The program was officially welcomed with a ribbon cutting, and pride was the order of the day as student-interns, faculty, and VyStar representatives reveled in the potential of this educational endeavor.
At the helm of the student team is Zaniya Bryant, a junior who's quickly becoming well-versed in the rigors of the business world. "It has been a stepping stone into the business world," Bryant said, noting the value of the lessons learned, far beyond the basics of financial literacy. "I’m learning leadership, communication, and professionalism," she told Duval County Public Schools in a recent feature.
The VyStar Academy's cornerstone is its on-site, student-run credit union, designed to give students a direct look at how financial institutions operate. More than just a mock-up, this is real banking in real-time, overseen by the watchful eyes of school staff and VyStar professionals. Kenyada Pearson, a co-supervisor of the program, highlighted the dual role of students acting as financial service members and educators, sharing their insights with peers to promote financial responsibility and savvy wealth-building strategies.
Michael Rathjen, VyStar's Vice President of High School Programs, underscored the initiative's goals: "Our goal is to deliver financial education both to and through our students," he said on the Duval County Public Schools website. The practicality of the program resonates with Bryant's personal experience as well, as she takes her newfound knowledge beyond the classroom. "This has made a lasting impact on my life," Bryant said. "It’s allowed me to inform my family and peers about the importance of finances. It’s affected me as an individual and allowed me to grow personally."
This isn't the first student-run credit union in the area, as Riverside's branch joins six others in Duval County Public Schools, bringing the VyStar student-run total to 19.
