Hillside High School, one of a handful of historically black high schools in North Carolina, recently celebrated its campus bank's ten year anniversary. The bank opened to students and faculty in 2012 and then to parents and alumni in 2013.

Hillside's history dates back to 1887 with Whitted School, named for its first principal James A. Whitted. The school experienced two incidents of destruction by fire. After the second incident in 1921, John Sprunt Hill donated land for rebuilding. The new structure was opened in 1922 and named in his honor Hillside Park High School ("Park" was dropped in 1943). The school celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2022.  

Mrs. Priscilla Davis, the Business Finance Academy Director, envisioned opening a bank on campus so that her students could have an authentic learning experience to complement their traditional education. After extensive research, she found other high schools housed credit unions, and had a table or a closet for services. Davis remained intent that Hillside would have a full service bank.

Many of the banks Davis sought to collaborate with wanted to offer penny savings or financial literacy programs; however her vision for her students was broader. Woodforest National Bank signed on to partner with the school and ensured that the school bank had the necessary furniture, computers, safe and an ATM to outfit the space.

With this new partnership, The Business Finance Academy was ready to elevate its 4 year program that students can enter starting in the 9th grade.

Zoё Payton transferred to Hillside as a junior. "I was interested in business. My parents were talking about the things they were investing in, so I thought that's interesting," she explains as part of her inspiration for entering the academy. A 2023 graduate, Payton will attend North Carolina Central University in the fall and is considering majoring in Business Administration, Accounting or Psychology.

This past school year, Payton worked as the marketing manager for the bank. Part of her role was to announce events that required ticket purchasing, create posters, and prepare taxes. She also "would post "the stock of the week," which included the company, the company info, how it started, what it sells, its ticker symbol, and its net income, right on the window of the bank." 

Michael Pulliam, another 2023 graduate, plans to major in marketing and minor in logistics at North Carolina A&T University. Pulliam explains, "Hillside made me confident and passionate. This opportunity put me in the forefront of many things."

Pulliam worked in customer service and as the box office manager supporting the business side of the drama department. When other schools came to matinee performances at Hillside, Pulliam was responsible for invoicing the schools and facilitating the finance exchange among other duties.

The bank also employs a manager, assistant manager, tellers, and customer service representatives. Students serve for one year and participate in the hiring process of their replacement.

Students appreciate the opportunity to become IRS certified to prepare taxes. Pulliam was proud that he can now do his own taxes without paying anyone.

The banking program has grown beyond Davis' initial vision. The students run the bank; all funds that run through the school (fees, prom tickets, student/faculty games, field trips) flow through the bank. 

"The students are proud of the bank. They take it seriously. They understand they are handling other people's money."  Davis also explained "I make sure their learning is relevant in all of their classes, (i.e.accounting, ethics class). Once students graduate they have transferable skills. This opportunity is phenomenal." 

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