SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – First New York Federal Credit Union and Schenectady High School have broken new ground here by opening the Capital District's first in-school branch office. The “Patriot Branch” is housed in Schenectady High School and will be run by student volunteers drawn from the Global Commerce House classes to serve as an introduction to the business world while giving students hands on experience in marketing and the credit union environment. The experience is part of the curriculum, with students being graded for their participation. The branch will open one day a week on Fridays from 10:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., and will be available for use by students and staff members to open new accounts and conduct financial transactions. To spread the word students recently conducted a “March Madness Membership Drive” promotion.