As Students Head Back to School, Miami Valley Credit Unions Celebrate State Budget Win for Student-Run Credit Unions

State Budget Provision Allows Students to Participate in Student-Run Credit Unions to Meet Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement

Dayton, Ohio (9-22-25) – As Ohio students return to school, Miami Valley credit unions Abbey Credit Union, Inc., CODE Credit Union, and Day Air Credit Union recently hosted a press conference with local educators and students to highlight an important win in the recently-passed state budget.

Gov. Mike DeWine signed a state budget into law that included a provision that allows schools districts to permit students to participate in student-run credit union branches to meet the financial literacy graduation requirement rather than in-classroom instruction.

 Dariah Dzhavriveva, a local college student who recently graduated after participating in a student-run credit union.

“The second I actually started training and learning, I realized the difference between what I was reading in a textbook and getting actual hands-on experience. The difference is major, and I’m so glad they passed this law. So many students will benefit.”

Eric Wagner, Educator, Northmont High School

“This recently passed budget provision is a great opportunity, I think it’s fantastic. Our partnership with CODE gives us an opportunity to educate a wide variety of students, and I think the fact that students get hands-on opportunities is awesome.”

Adam Priefer, Educator, Centerville High School

“Our partnership with Day Air Credit Union has been phenomenal. The ability for students to get credit for participating in student-run credit unions will be a success. Students will be more likely to understand financial resources, and these programs will benefit all the kids who get this opportunity,”

 Amy Cline, Day Air Credit Union

“We are very proud to partner with Centerville High School for our credit union branch. It’s been a great opportunity to get into the schools, work with the students, and give them real-world experience before they go off to college.”

 Amber Smith, Abbey Credit Union

“It’s really important for us to be involved in our community and give back where we can.”

Shannon Tudor, CODE Credit Union

“We started our first student-run credit union branch in 2011. We love promoting financial literacy in the schools and working with the kids. And we love the doors it opens in our communities.”

Under Ohio law, students must complete 60 hours of financial literacy instruction to graduate high school. The requirement aims to help students learn the skills to make good financial decisions.

Credit unions’ student run branches are operated by students with minimal oversight from credit union staff. By giving students a hands-on opportunity to learn about finances and how to run a business, Ohio credit unions are helping set the next generation of young Ohioans up for financial success.

The student-run credit union system is part of Miami Valley credit unions’ ongoing commitment to serving the community and providing meaningful financial education. To learn more, please contact Matt Keyes, Director of Communications and Marketing, Ohio Credit Union League.

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