For more than a decade, Atomic Credit Union has recognized the critical importance of financial literacy in shaping the future of young people across Southern Ohio. Through our innovative Student-Run Credit Union program, we have provided students with hands-on financial education, empowering them with real-world skills in saving and budgeting. This long-standing commitment to equipping the next generation with practical financial knowledge has not only impacted thousands of students but has also played a pivotal role in shaping state-level policy.
In 2025, Governor Mike DeWine signed into law Ohio’s operating budget for Fiscal Years 2026-2027. The operating budget included, among many other items, an amendment that promotes financial literacy in Ohio’s schools. Currently, Ohio requires students to receive one-half unit of instruction (60 hours) in financial literacy. This amendment allows a board of education to adopt a policy allowing students to fulfill that requirement by participating in a student branch offered by a credit union or a bank if it meets or exceeds the academic content standards and model curriculum for financial literacy and entrepreneurship instruction adopted under section 3301.079 of the Revised Code.
This amendment was a direct result of the Student-Run Credit Union that has been offered by Atomic Credit Union over the last 15 years. Atomic CU President/CEO, Thomas D. Griffiths, stated, “Since 2011, Atomic Credit Union has been offering our Student-Run Credit Union program in schools across southern Ohio. Next year, we will be in approximately 100 schools across 38 different school districts with 900 student workers serving over 9,000 student participants. This program shows the demand for a real-life, hands-on educational experience in one of life’s most important skills, handling your finances!”
