Charleston, S.C. (June 21, 2024) – The REV on Campus program has begun its ninth year with the largest incoming class of Brand Influencers, totaling 28 students. This unique program, singular in the Charleston Metro Region and distinguished as a model career and technical education (CTE) program by the South Carolina Department of Education, provides local high school students with opportunities to develop work-readiness and leadership skills alongside financial knowledge essential for their future careers.

Twenty Influencers from Cane Bay High School and R.B. Stall High School commenced their week-long training at the company’s headquarters, undergoing sessions on conducting banking transactions and acquiring in-depth knowledge of the credit union’s history, product offerings, member service practices, and important banking regulations. The remaining students from Philip Simmons High School will begin their respective training at the company’s Park West location in the following week.

Chief Operating Officer Tara Smith addressed the incoming class, drawing parallels between her experience working at her first credit union and the present circumstances of the students. “Persistence pays off – I started as a teller, grew up in the industry, and worked my way up to being a COO today,” recounted Smith. “What we do has the member experience lenses on everything so that we make the best decisions going forward on how we will impact the communities we serve and the members that do business with REV. It’s a heartfelt passion to do your best work in a very competitive industry,” she added.

The program received The Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award in recognition of its leadership in youth financial education within the $1 billion+ asset size category. Its curriculum offers students the opportunity to select from four talent pipelines within the company: finance and account management, brand marketing, public relations, and leadership. Beyond banking transactions, students in their chosen functional area also receive supplementary curriculum to encourage further exploration.

After completing training, the 28 Brand Influencers, along with the eight returning students, will begin on-the-job training at six REV branch locations across Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester County starting on July 1. Their responsibilities include assisting members with various transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, cash advances, and account openings.

About REV

At the heart of the REV brand is its mission of Growth with Purpose, which defines our core beliefs in how we prioritize our members, support the community, and remain dedicated to the principles of putting people over profit. With a proud military history dating back to 1955, REV offers competitive consumer and business banking products, services, and educational resources designed to enrich the communities we serve throughout the Carolinas. To learn more about REV and its work in building resilient communities, please visit REVfcu.com.