Credit unions give back and pay it forward

Cornerstone League recognizes member credit unions’ news about their growth, expansion, and community endeavors to exemplify the “people helping people” philosophy.

Education First FCU donates $45,000 to Southeast Texas schools

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Beaumont, Texas-based Education First Federal Credit Union awarded more than $45,000 to support local schools in Southeast Texas in January. This contribution was made possible through the impactful Paying It Forward (PIF) program.

The program was conceived in 2014 as a nod to the credit union’s roots, having been started in 1952 by a small group of teachers at South Park High School. Through the program, when an Education First member borrows from the credit union, a donation is accrued to their school of choice. Each year, the aggregate donations are presented to school superintendents and administrators at an annual luncheon. 

This year marked the 10th anniversary of of PIF and was celebrated with a live game show pitting attendees from 123 schools against one another in a chance to win an additional $5,000 for their campus. Topics ranged from historical financial events to pop culture financial fun facts.

< "When we dreamed up this program up all those years ago, we had no idea it would grow to this magnitude,” said Kevin Conn, Education First FCU president and CEO. “We recognize that public education in Texas is starving for funding right now and needs help more than ever. This program provides unrestricted funds to help schools continue to provide programs and services that schools might otherwise have to go without, and we are proud to be a part of that.” 

The credit union, with 34,000 members, also supports education through financial literacy, which is a requirement of the credit union’s college scholarship program that awards $25,000 each year to members who are high school seniors and attend a school in its field of membership. The 2024 scholarship criteria and application are open and can be found at www.EducationFirstFCU.og.

Aggieland Credit Union creates trash patrol for Adopt-A-Street campaign

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Keeping College Station clean is an important part of Aggieland Credit Union’s Greater Good initiative.

In partnership with the City of College Station, the credit union has adopted a three-quarter mile stretch of Holleman Drive West for a second year as part of the city’s Adopt-A-Street program. Employees will conduct four trash cleanup days this year to help improve the cleanliness of the area and reduce the city’s litter control costs.

The Adopt-A-Street program provides residents, businesses, neighborhood associations, community organizations, and student groups the opportunity to enhance the community by collecting litter along a street. In 2023, participating groups collected 529 bags of litter.

According to TxDOT, roadside litter costs Texas nearly $50 million a year to clean up. The 2023 Texas Litter Survey indicates that roadside litter includes a significant percentage of recyclables, such as beverage containers, plastic drink bottles, and paper goods. These items make up nearly 40% of the trash. Cigarette butts, which can be harmful to animals, are also a major litter problem, making up nearly 30% of the micro trash found on roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks.

By adopting a street, Aggieland employees help keep the local environment clean, protect wildlife, and keep the community attractive. 

“Through the Greater Good program, our employees step up in many ways to serve the community,” said Jason McPhee, AVP of strategic partnerships and university relations, Greater Texas | Aggieland Credit Union. “Aggieland employees work here, live here, and take pride in being part of the community fabric that makes College Station one of the best places to live in Texas.”