North Lamar ISD is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Credit Union of Texas (CUTX) to open our district’s first-ever student-run SMART Branch inside North Lamar High School. This innovative 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. 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.
The new branch will be fully operated by North Lamar High School students, supported by one full-time CUTX employee. Student employees will hold positions such as:
- Bank Manager
- Teller
- Loan Officer
- Marketing & Outreach Specialist
The branch will offer many of the same services available at traditional CUTX locations, including:
• Checking and savings accounts
• Auto loans
• Customer service and account support
The SMART Branch will be available to all students, faculty, and the community during school hours, giving convenient access to essential financial tools.
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
Each student banker will receive a $1,000 scholarship per year of employment, earmarked for future education-related expenses.
CUTX 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.
“CUTX was founded by teachers, so our belief in the power of education to change lives is part of our DNA,” said Eric Pointer, President & CEO of Credit Union of Texas. “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.”
“We are excited about the future Smart Branch at North Lamar High School. The partnership with Credit Union of Texas will allow our students to gain hands-on experience in banking while learning about financial literacy through a career pathway program. Our hope is that our students gain financial skills that will be utilized in their future,” said Kelli Stewart, North Lamar ISD Superintendent.
The SMART Branch and financial literacy center will open in Fall 2026 and will not only provide a valuable workplace for selected student employees—it will also give every North Lamar High School student, staff member, and member of the community access to practical financial education and real-world banking services on campus.
North Lamar ISD looks forward to the opportunities this partnership with CUTX will bring to our students, our school, and our community.
