[NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, May 3] US Community Credit Union was designated an Experiential Learning Innovator of the Year at the Academies of Nashville Celebration on May 2 at the Gaylord Springs Clubhouse. The Academies of Nashville presented the award to USCCU, which has provided over 70 internships to area students.

“USCCU is honored to have been nominated by school staff and recognized by the founding partners of the Academies of Nashville for this award,” US Community Credit Union President/CEO Paul Johnson said.

The local credit union has served as an Academies of Nashville partner since 2011, supporting the US Community Credit Union Academy of Business and Finance at McGavock High School and the US Community Credit Union Academy of International Business and Communications at Hillsboro High School.

In tenth grade, students of the respective high schools have the opportunity to tour the USCCU administration building and the branch in Donelson where they learn about the company culture, brand, and career potential. The following year, students are able to shadow financial service representatives, loan officers, and call center employees, as well as back office positions in accounting and marketing.

As the last piece of the puzzle, the credit union offers paid summer internships, which lead to the interns handling the operations at the student-run branches located at both McGavock and Hillsboro high schools. Over the past 8 years, USCCU has equipped over 70 interns with skills immediately relevant to the job market.

“Working with high school students sparked my passion for education and helping teach our future leaders makes coming to work each day that much better,” J.R. Jernigan, AVP Marketing and Student Run Branch Manager at USCCU said.

Aaron Haddix, Marketing Representative at USCCU, was in the first group of interns through the program and he remains an employee of USCCU today.

“I’m grateful to USCCU for taking me under their wing so many years ago and showing me what I could do with my skills and talents,” Haddix said. “USCCU is a great company to work for with its focus on community and providing real world work experience to students.”

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Since 1949, US Community Credit Union has helped Middle Tennessee residents with access to better rates and less fees. USCCU offers a wide variety of banking products and services to help members reach their financial goals. Visit one of USCCU’s 7 local branches and see what we can do for you. For more information about US Community Credit Union, visit www.usccu.org.