VyStar Academy of Business High School Branch Program

Today's students will become tomorrow's community leaders. At VyStar, we are helping students prepare for their future by equipping them with lifelong financial skills and career readiness experience.

About the Program

Launched in 2006, VyStar’s High School Branch Program is an award-winning initiative that changes the way students experience financial education. Through our peer-to-peer model, students take what they learn and bring it into classrooms, clubs, sports teams and daily conversations. Together, we're building a culture of financial fitness that will empower generations.

First Coast High School student Illyana Recinos on stage receiving a certificate

Our Impact Keeps Growing

Key numbers since the launch of our High School Branch Program

An icon representing a high school building and the number 20
High school branches in nine Florida school districts
Icon representing internships and the number 2,200+
Paid internships provided to student-interns
Icon representing students and the number 160,000+
Students reached with financial education

How the Program Works

  • Become an Intern: Students can apply for an internship through their school. Interns manage daily branch operations under the guidance of career academy instructors and VyStar’s program advisors.

  • Get Ready to Thrive: We ensure our interns are prepared for their roles with comprehensive training, both in the classroom and through hands-on experience at our full-service branches.

  • Gain Valuable Knowledge: Students learn about loans, credit cards, budgeting, investing and more. It's an opportunity to earn income, receive academic credit and build a strong foundation of knowledge.

Two students outside the entrance to the VyStar Branch at Ribault High School

Program Goals

  • Financial Education: Students gain valuable knowledge and professional skills. This gives them confidence to Lead by Example with classmates and friends to help foster a culture of financial fitness.

  • Leadership Development: A well-rounded skillset is important for any career path. Many students pursue careers right here at VyStar after graduation.

  • Community Service: Beyond receiving financial education, students become ambassadors for their high school and help live out our purpose to Do Good. Through their hard work, our program becomes a resource for the entire community.

A student member of the Ribault High School VyStar Branch Program assisting a fellow student

Participating Schools

  • Bartram Trail High School

  • Belleview High School

  • Bradford High School

  • Clay High School

  • Fernandina Beach High School

  • First Coast High School

  • Fleming Island High School

  • Fletcher High School

  • Mandarin High School

  • Matanzas High School

  • Melbourne High School (coming soon)

  • Middleburg High School

  • Orange Park High School

  • Palatka High School

  • Pedro Menendez High School

  • Ribault High School

  • Riverside High School

  • West Nassau High School

  • Wolfson High School

  • Yulee High School

High School Debit Card Give Back Program

Image of all current high school co-branded credit cards

Our High School Debit Card Give Back Program provides schools that are part of our VyStar Academy of Business High School Branch Program with an opportunity to earn 5 cents with every swipe.

You can order a participating high school card by visiting any VyStar branch, calling our Contact Center at 904-777-6000 or 800-445-6289, option 2, or connecting with a VyChat representative by using the chat button on the bottom of your screen.

Schedule a branch appointment

A group photo with members of the 2025 VyStar High School Branch Program posing around a large word sculpture that reads "Do Good"

Turn Everyday Spending into Impact

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Turning Swipes into Support: How VyStar’s High School Debit Card Program is Changing Lives

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Full Circle: How Matthew Mitchell Turned Student Leadership with VyStar into a Calling

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A Scholarship from VyStar is Helping this Standout Student Pursue His Dreams

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Our VyStar Academy of Business High School Program is a strategic educational partnership offered exclusively to public high schools through their career and technical education (CTE) programs. School branch locations are ultimately determined by the leadership of each respective school district and then supported by VyStar.

*All new accounts are subject to approval. Product offers, terms and other information provided herein are subject to change without notice. Must have an eligible VyStar co-branded high school debit card. VyStar will donate five cents for each purchase made on a qualifying debit card, back to your school. Donation will be paid to school on or around February of the following year.