Oklahoma Commission hears pitch from credit union offering accounts and financial counseling for youth in care

Representatives of the Oklahoma Credit Union described a pilot program to provide bank accounts, financial counseling and outreach to youth without guardians, including youth transitioning out of state care.

Tammy Kilman of the credit union introduced Amanda Kirby, who said the OKCU Youth Banking partnership has opened more than 50 accounts, works with youth as young as about 14 and up through the early‑20s (staff cited roughly 22–24 as an upper range for transition clients), and offers features designed for youth without guardians. Kirby said OKCU will open accounts in‑branch or by appointment, accepts alternative identity verification (including a credit‑union letter of ID signed by a case manager), and provides no‑monthly‑fee accounts and a mobile banking app.

Kirby said the credit union places a $5 seed deposit in new youth savings accounts and is waiving a $25 checking‑account fee for the target population. The program pairs each youth with a single, certified financial counselor who will meet with the youth, set goals and offer personal counseling on budgeting, security (passwords and PINs), insurance considerations and related topics. The credit union said it has already supported one youth in obtaining a first auto loan and that it holds outreach events (for example at Bridges of Norman) to open accounts and deliver workshops.

Commissioners and staff praised the partnership and noted the advantage of a single point of contact for youth who may have unstable housing; OCCY and credit‑union staff asked commissioners to help spread the word to providers across the state. Commissioners also confirmed program details, including the acceptable identity documents, the age range served and counseling topics to be covered.