Royal Credit Union

Eden Prairie High School’s student-run credit union branch located in The Perch, was created in partnership between Royal Credit Union and Eden Prairie Schools. The unique, multi-functional design offers use of the space as a credit union during hours of operation and a contemporary gathering space for students when the financial institution is not in use. Select Eden Prairie High School students enrolled in the Senior Intern program staff the credit union along with a Royal Credit Union Supervisor. Students and staff of Eden Prairie High School are able to conduct common financial transactions such as deposits and withdrawals. Royal Credit Union in The Perch is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during third period (approximately 11:40 a.m to 1:40 p.m.).

In addition to encouraging saving and providing convenient access for staff and students, Royal Credit Union offers financial education in the classrooms and the community. Team members present educational sessions throughout the school year on topics including saving, budgeting and preparing for college.

Royal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, federally insured credit union serving over 250,000 members across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Currently, Royal has 29 school sites at the elementary, middle and high school level. In addition to 29 branch locations, Royal is part of the Co-Op Shared Branching Network, giving members access to more than 5,600 branches across the country.

Students

Royal Credit Union is located in The Perch and is open to all students Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during third period. Students can do banking, work on homework or participate in the many promotions put on by the student marketing interns and tellers. As a bonus to encourage saving, Royal offers incentives for every deposit.

Internships

Royal Credit Union offers six internships each year to seniors in the Senior Intern Program. Students who work for Royal Credit Union receive a competitive wage, EPHS school credits, as well as a great professional opportunity to gain job experience. Students work during third period throughout the school year. If you’re interested in applying, please speak to a Royal Credit Union team member in The Perch during third hour.

To become a member of the credit union apply online at rcu.org, complete an application at The Perch or call 1-800-341-9911.

Staff

Eden Prairie Schools’ staff is welcome to open a Royal Credit Union account in The Perch. Hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during third period (approximately 11:40 a.m. to 1:40 p.m.). Royal team members and interns are also available to present to classrooms on a variety of financial education topics. To learn about these opportunities stop by the Perch during third period or contact Brittany O'Malley, Royal's EPHS Financial Education Supervisor.

Parents

In addition to Royal’s team members and student interns teaching financial literacy in and out of the classrooms throughout the school, the convenient location in Eden Prairie High School gives students a special experience learning about their own money first-hand.

Although it is recommended, parents do not need to be joint on an account; however, they do need to give permission to open a minor account in their own name. Whether students start with a savings account or add a checking account with a debit card, Royal will guide students as they learn the basics of finance to avoid financial mishaps later on. To help your student get started, Royal Credit Union will deposit the first $5 in a new account.

To open an account, apply online at rcu.org, complete a paper application at Royal Credit Union in The Perch, call 1-800-341-9911, or visit Royal Credit Union at 4450 West 76th Street in Edina.

Financial Education

Presentation Topics

Each year Royal Credit Union provides financial education in a variety of different topics to students inside The Perch and in the classrooms. Topics include budgeting, credit unions vs. banks, student-run credit unions, credit cards, checking accounts, savings, credit reports, careers and college.

Royal Credit Union is able to create any curriculum presentation customized to requests. The presentations are done by Royal team members and student interns. Students often become very engaged when they are being taught by their peers.

To request a financial education presentation for your classroom, contact Brittany O’Malley.

Test Drive...Next Stop Reality

Royal Credit Union offers Test Drive to select students 1 - 2 times per year. Students who participate in this event research their college and desired career to figure out their potential monthly income amount. With this information in hand, the students visit 21 different stations ranging from housing to groceries in an attempt to budget expenses with their projected income. This event provides a great opportunity for the students to learn about potential financial mistakes in a safe environment. Taking their future plans on a “Test Drive” allows students to gain a better understanding of the lifestyle and responsibilities they can look forward to after college. Royal Credit Union is proud to partner with Eden Prairie High School to host this rewarding event.

finU
Students can earn up to $50 by attending a series of four virtual financial education classes. These one hour classes cover topics such as banking basics, credit, fraud and scams, and college and career readiness. Click rcu.org/finu here for more information and to sign up.

Elementary Schools

Royal Credit Union’s unique partnership with Eden Prairie Schools allows high school student interns and team members to go into the classrooms of the local Eden Prairie elementary schools upon teacher request. Royal Credit Union student interns teach the elementary students a variety of fun and interactive lessons for every grade level, such as coin recognition, counting, entrepreneurship, and more!

FAQ

What types of transactions can I conduct at the EPHS Credit Union in The Perch?

Royal Credit Union team members will assist you with basic financial transactions on checking and savings accounts as well as loan payments. Information will also be available on a variety of Royal services and products online or at one of our full-service locations.

How do I open an account?

To become a member, apply online at rcu.org/edenprairie, complete a paper application at Royal Credit Union in The Perch, call 1-800-341-9911, or visit Royal at 4450 West 76th Street in Edina.

Do other schools have credit unions or banks on campus?

Yes, Eden Prairie High School is the seventh student-run credit union in the state of Minnesota. EPHS’ credit union partner, Royal Credit Union, operates 29 student-run credit unions in Wisconsin.

What are the benefits of having a student-run credit union at EPHS?

Interns: Royal team members are trained and paid by Royal Credit Union. It gives them the opportunity to work in a professional environment, during school hours. The interns are also trained on financial services, products and basic industry education that they can pass along to fellow students
Students: Research shows students who get into the routine of saving at an early age are more likely to continue that habit for life. Royal Credit Union will deposit the first $5 in a new member savings account opened by an EPHS student.
Staff: Staff members working in schools with an on-campus credit union enjoy the convenience of having access to their accounts where they work.

Is my information confidential?

Absolutely! Prior to working at Royal Credit Union, all team members complete intense training, which includes compliance requirements and member confidentiality training. A Royal Credit Union supervisor is always on-site to assure confidentiality requirements are consistently adhered to.

What happens to The Perch after Royal Credit Union closes for the day?

The Perch is open for anyone in the school to use as a gathering space.

Does a parent have to be on the student’s account?

Although it is recommended, parents do not need to be joint on an account; however, they do need to give permission to open a minor account in their own name.

How do I access my accounts in the summer and after I graduate?

Royal Credit Union has 29 offices across Minnesota and Wisconsin, online banking, and a mobile app with a mobile deposit feature. As part of the Co-op Shared Branching Network, members have access to more than 5,600 branches nationwide and over 40,000 ATM locations.

Can I do my homework in The Perch?

In addition to doing transactions and running our promotions, the room is set up for students to socialize and do homework. Charging stations are provided for your convenience.

Contact Us

Royal Credit Union
4450 W 76th St.
Edina, MN 55435
rcu.org
1-800-341-9911

Brittany O’Malley – Royal Credit Union
Financial Education Supervisor
Brittania.omalley@rcu.org
952-465-0928

Shelly Streich – Eden Prairie High School
EPHS Business & Marketing Intern Coordinator
sstreich@edenpr.org
952-975-8178

Financial Education Requests
Contact Brittany O'Malley at Brittania.omalley@rcu.org

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Instagram @EPHSRoyalCU