The largest in-school credit union in Louisiana opened at Capitol Middle School on Friday, January 18, 2008. LA DOTD Federal Credit Union (FCU) partnered with the school last year to begin a savings program among the student body. 
The “Cougar Union” is the second in-school credit union in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. Last spring, LA DOTD FCU partnered with Staring Education Center to encourage financial literacy among its students. 
    LA DOTD FCU officials say part of their mission is to give students a positive head start on their financial futures by educating them on the value of savings early.
    “We need America to be a country of savers and investors, not just consumers,” said Cary J. Anderson, CEO of LA DOTD FCU. The purpose of the financial education program is to not only teach the value of money and savings, but to provide students with an opportunity to gain real work experience. Eighth grade students were chosen to manage and operate the credit union. These students spent several weeks training for various positions such as member service representatives, co-managers, marketing directors and tellers.
    During a ribbon cutting ceremony, Superintendent Charlotte Placide expressed to students the importance of being in control of their money and understanding the consequences of bad choices in spending. “Let’s break the cycle of more young people filing for bankruptcy than going to college. Let’s break that cycle,” she said.
     The 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge, another Capitol Middle School partner, promised to match the funds of the first 100 students who deposit five dollars in the credit union.  The group has been teaching a select group of students the connection between basic math principles, such as fractions and decimals, and the financial markets.
     Baton Rouge attorney Dedrick Moore, of Dedrick Moore and Associates, pledged the largest donation by giving each student at Capitol Middle School five dollars to open their own accounts. Capitol Middle School Principal LaMont Cole encouraged students to understand and appreciate the investment the community was making in their futures.
    A representative from Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu’s Office was also on hand to recognize the financial literacy program.