The Bulldog Credit Union - - Westmoreland Jr./Sr. High School’s very own banking institution - - is back in business.
The credit union, located in the Jr./Sr. High School, officially opened its doors for the 2019-20 school year on October 4. 
Established in 2015 in partnership with the Rome Teachers Federal Credit Union, the Bulldog Credit Union is staffed and operated by Westmoreland students, who work alongside an employee from the Rome Teachers Federal Credit Union. Students and staff members can open a savings or checking account and make deposits and withdrawals at the student-run branch - - just like at any other banking institution outside of school. All transactions and accounts are kept completely confidential and a system of checks and balances and internal controls safeguard personal information.
According to Mrs. Weissenberger, Jr./Sr. High School business teacher, the main purpose of the student-run Bulldog Credit Union is to teach wise savings habits at an early age, as well as supplement math, computer and social abilities.
“Students are taught real-life skills and are on the cutting edge of financial literacy,” Mrs. Weissenberger, who oversees the Bulldog Credit Union as part of the Jr./Sr. High School’s Senior College and Career Enrichment Program, said. “Each student employee is learning exactly what it takes to work behind the teller line of a financial institution. Our mission is to help students develop money management skills and career readiness. Once a member, always a member.”
Students who work at the credit union do so on a voluntary basis and earn community service credit, which is required to graduate.
The credit union is open every Tuesday and Friday from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. when school is in session. Any student age 13 and older with parent permission and staff member can open an account. Each credit union member receives a membership card, transaction register to track their balance and a small packet to keep their account items organized.
The credit union’s motto is, “Keeping it Real… Real World – Real Life – Real Education” to empower students to help each other develop sound financial awareness.