Most of us have entered our names in randomized contests for free houses, trips to the Bahamas, and whatever else is appealing to any person. For most of us, we never receive a call or email that we’ve won. However, this isn’t the case for one Mentor High student. This student won two free club tickets to the Cleveland Browns! The MHS student won these tickets via the “Lil Brownies High School Savers” program, proudly sponsored by the Cleveland Browns and Cardinal Credit Union.
To learn more about this program and Cardinal Credit Union, Cardinal Nation reached out to Kelly Harber, Student Branch Development Manager at Cardinal Credit Union.
Cardinal Nation: How long have you worked at Cardinal Credit Union?
Harber: One year.
Cardinal Nation: How do you think Cardinal Credit Union has helped MHS students become more financially responsible?
Harber: The primary goal of the Cardinal Credit Union Financial Wellness course is to foster financial literacy among students. This course is structured to help students understand key financial concepts, such as budgeting, saving, investing, credit management, and responsible borrowing. By engaging in interactive lessons and practical exercises, students will gain the confidence to navigate the complexities of personal finance.
Cardinal Nation: What’s your favorite part of being Student Branch Development Manager
Harber: My favorite part of being Student Branch Development Manager is creating hands-on opportunities for students to learn real-world financial skills while building strong relationships with schools and community partners. I love seeing students gain confidence as they open accounts, save, or even work teller shifts, and I enjoy being the bridge that connects Cardinal Credit Union with principals, teachers, and parents. It’s rewarding to design programs that make financial literacy exciting — like Lil’ Brownies High School Savers, Mad City Money, and “Pays for A’s” — while also driving growth and strengthening partnerships that help students become financially independent.
Cardinal Nation: How does your free Brown tickets promotion work (ex. what grade, how often, etc)?
Harber: All partner high school students with a school branded Debit Card are eligible to obtain a Brownie the Elf savings card. This allows high school students to create positive financial habits while also being entered to win Club seat tickets for Browns home games.
Cardinal Nation: What special rates do you offer MHS students?
Harber: Student Checking & Savings Perks – No minimum balance and no monthly fees on student accounts. Free debit card and access to online & mobile banking. ATM fee refunds at participating locations.
Exclusive Student Incentives – “Pays for A’s” program – students can earn cash rewards for good grades. Mad City Money scholarships – $5,000 in scholarships per school through interactive financial literacy events. Lil’ Brownies High School Savers – Cleveland Browns–themed program with chances to win prizes (like Browns tickets) just for saving.
Lending & Credit Opportunities – Special parent/student lending rates through the Student Branch program. Access to student-friendly credit cards or starter loans with lower rates (when paired with parent/guardian).
Cardinal Nation: What advice do you have for students who want to begin to save their money?
Harber: “Pay yourself first” is the idea of setting aside money for savings as soon as you get paid, before spending on anything else. Instead of waiting to see what’s left at the end of the month, you treat saving like a bill you owe to yourself. Even a small amount, put away consistently, can grow into a meaningful emergency fund or help you reach bigger goals like college, a car, or a first home. It’s one of the simplest but most powerful habits for building lifelong financial security.
Overall, Cardinal Credit has provided many new exercises for our students in the realm of financial responsibility. It is vital for young adults to understand the world of finances early.
Cardinal Credit Union is currently providing internship opportunities for MHS students. Find out more with this link.
There is also additional information about Cardinal Credit Union at the student center, and their representatives from Cardinal Credit Union on Wednesdays during lunch mods. Stop by to find out more.
