Education First Federal Credit Union presented over $57,000 to 133 local schools in Southeast Texas on Wednesday, Jan. 26, the credit union announced. The donations were made through the We’re Paying It Forward program.
The We’re Paying It Forward program was conceived seven years ago to support education while allowing the credit union’s members to direct dollars back into their own communities. Through the program, when an Education First member takes out a loan, the credit union donates to the school of their choice.
Education First FCU President and CEO Kevin Conn said, “As a credit union that was founded by teachers over 65 years ago, we remain committed to supporting education in a variety of ways – from financial literacy workshops to college scholarships. We’re Paying It Forward is one of our favorite programs because it gives our members direct control over where the funds are directed.”
As the program has grown in popularity, donations to local schools have more than quadrupled. At the first luncheon in 2015, Education First distributed $14,000 to 73 schools; during the most recent event, the credit union collected more than $57,000 that will benefit 133 schools. To date, donations have totaled $297,000 in unrestricted funds to help supplement school budgets and allow local schools to direct the funds where they need them most.
“As a credit union, we really love this program. We recognize that education plays an important role in lifelong success, and it feels really good to know that the investment we make in our local schools today has a lasting effect on the lives of students for years to come,” Conn said.
Learn more about Education First Federal Credit Union at www.educationfirstfcu.org.
