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Youth Services

Youth Services

At HomeTown Credit Union, we’re committed to supporting our young members with their financial needs. Whether you are saving for a goal, managing income from your first job, or preparing to continue your educational journey, HomeTown is here to help!

Every year, HomeTown Credit Union offers our wonderful student members the opportunity to apply for and earn scholarships as a way to not only live out our core value of education, but to also assist members with reaching their educational goals. See below for what is currently available.


HomeTown Credit Union Yearly Scholarships

To highlight our continued committment to our core value of education, HomeTown is excited to again offer our own scholarships directly to student members through our Financial Wellness department.

This year we are offering:

  • Two $1,000 scholarships
  • Two $500 scholarships

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be in good standing at HomeTown Credit Union for at least 3 months prior to application*
  • Be a graduating high school senior pursuing post high school education for the upcoming school year
  • Plan to attend a private or public college, university, community college, or technical college accredited by the U.S. Department of Education

To apply, applicants must:

  • Complete the application linked below
  • Create a 1-to-3-minute video exploring advantages and disadvantages of Buy Now Pay Later loans (example companies: Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm, Sezzle, Splitit, etc.). Additional video requirements can be found within the application.

2026 Scholarship Application

Applications are due Friday, April 3, 2026.

 


Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Scholarships

Each year, the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation program awards $1,000 scholarships to eligible credit union members across the state. HomeTown is a Minnesota Credit Union Network affiliate and therefore all of our qualifying members are eligible to apply.

To be eligible, applicants must be either:

  • traditional: current high school or PSEO student graduating in 2025
  • non-traditional: post high school student, current college student or those returning to post-secondary after some time off.

2025 Scholarship Question

Applicants are asked to answer the following: Discuss a significant personal experience that has shaped who you are today. How has this experience influenced your educational and career aspirations? What lessons have you learned, and how do you apply them in your daily life?

To learn more and submit your application, visit the link below.

Learn More & Apply

Applications due November 30, 2025

 

Education can be a door to your future — Let us help you open it.

Everyone knows that higher education can be a door to future endeavors, but let's face it, the cost of a college degree is daunting. From tuition, textbooks, food, and housing, the dollars add up!

HomeTown is here to help with our Private Student Loans. Easily apply online and you'll be on your way to covering all qualified educational expenses. Whether the loan is paying for your whole tuition or the gap between your federal financial aid, HomeTown's Private Student Loans can help you be successful.

Private Student Loan Program

HomeTown offers Private Student Loans through our partnership with cuStudentLoans, a credit union managed network.

With Private Student Loans, you get:

  • Coverage for all qualified educational expenses at competitive interest rates, and with good grades, potentially lower rates
  • A fast online application with no origination fee
  • Borrow what you need and manage your account entirely online

Learn More About Student Loans and Apply

Private Student Loan Consolidation

Consolidate and refinance one or multiple student loans into one—with a potentially lower interest rate.

  • Simplify your payments into one monthly payment
  • Consolidate federal and private student loans
  • Competitive rates with extended repayment term
  • Cosigner release available after 12 on-time principal and interest payments
  • Interest-only payment options available

Learn More About Student Loan Consolidation and Apply

Youth Accounts

HomeTown’s here to help get our young members started off on the right financial foot. Whether you're looking for a savings or checking account, we've got just what you need no matter you're age. Let HomeTown provide you with the necessary tools, confidence, and support to build a strong financial future.

Contact Us to Open An Account Today

Achieve Student Checking

HomeTown's Achieve Student Checking account is designed for students — typically those in high school or college — who are ready to manage their own spending. It’s ideal for first-time checking account holders growing toward financial independence. Whether at school, work, or on the go, the account will fit your needs, grow your money confidence, and guide you towards any financial goal.

Account Highlights:

  • Curated debit card limits
  • Free Online and Mobile Banking
  • Receive paychecks up to 2 days early
  • Free financial education
  • Free debit card
  • eStatements
  • Bill Pay

Additional Features:

  • Daily ATM Safety Limit — $200
    • A thoughtful withdrawal limit protects the account from unauthorized access while encouraging responsible money management.
  • Daily Purchase Protection Limits — $500
    • Whether in-store or online, daily purchase and signature limits create an added layer of security to prevent large, unexpected charges.
  • No Overdrafts — Ever
    • This keeps account holders financially safe. Transactions won’t go through if there aren’t enough funds—eliminating overdraft fees and building healthy spending habits.
  • Optional Checks for Added Flexibility
    • While many prefer digital payments, checks are available for purchase when needed—allowing you to handle occasional situations where a paper check is required.

Qualifications:

  • Members ages 13 to 17
  • One joint adult owner

Kirby Kangaroo Kids Savings

A HomeTown Kirby Kangaroo Savings Account makes saving money fun! Our Kirby account provides our youngest members with savings tips and a deeper understanding of what it means to be responsible with money.

  • Made for members 11 years or younger
  • Price incentives for every $25 saved
  • Free celebratory birthday letter each year
  • Kirby activities like printables, jokes, and more

Steps Savings Accounts for Teens

A HomeTown Steps Savings Account introduces our teen members to basic money savings and teaches financial responsibility through Share Certificates.

  • 6 month no-minimum Share Certificate
  • Cinch up Your Savings Share Certificate
  • Access Money Market Savings

Credit Builder Loans

Credit Builder Loans are the perfect way to introduce financial responsibility through a loan payment. These loans are great ways to save up for a new phone, computer or even a down payment on a car.

  • No cosigner required
  • Borrow any amount from $500 to $3000
  • 12 month repayment term
  • Proceeds are frozen in a savings account and available to be accessed once the loan is paid in full

For more information on Youth Accounts, visit any branch to speak with a Credit Union Representative.

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