The Credit Union Foundation of Colorado and Wyoming awarded more than $22,000 in 2006 in the form of scholarships for professional development of credit union employees and volunteers like you in both states.

Celebrating our commitment to academic excellence by investing in our youth, the Foundation awarded 12 college scholarships, totaling more than $16,000, to undergraduate students who are members of credit unions.

Through the work of our grantees and scholarship recipients, the Foundation reflects the cooperative spirit of the credit union movement.

Only through your participation can the Foundation exist to support the credit union community. You can participate in a variety of ways, all of which are a valuable investment in our community.

Commitment to Professional Development
Scholarships for Credit Union Personnel

Believing that our best resource is our people, the Credit Union Foundation of Colorado and Wyoming offers scholarships for professional development of credit union employees and volunteers.

Scholarships can be used for any training event, conference, audio conference, or webinar promoted on the Credit Union Association of Colorado’s Education Online Calendar. Given that all of the Association’s Education and Training courses are valuable resources for credit unions, this expansion will allow employees and volunteers more flexibility and choice in their pursuit of education and training opportunities. Click here to download a scholarship application with instructions.

Funds are limited so please apply early. If you have any questions, please contact the Foundation at mheimbuck@colocu.com.

Click here to view the training calendar.

COLORADO

Alliance for the American Dream —
Elevations Credit Union and Thistle Community Housing
The Foundation awarded grant funds to Elevations Credit Union, in partnership with Thistle Community Housing, to provide support for affordable housing units as part of the Alliance for the American Dream project. The creation of these housing opportunities will ensure financial stability for 1,000 families in Boulder County and enable them to accumulate assets and improve their overall financial well-being. When you donate to the Foundation, you provide assistance to credit union members and other income-eligible individuals at high risk for eviction and financial instability.

Financial Education for Our Youth — Jeffco Credit Union
Through funding from the Foundation, Jeffco Credit Union provides financial education to Jefferson County School District students through the National Endowment for Financial Education ® (NEFE) High School Financial Planning Program and through its own model program, Making Sense. Jeffco Credit Union provides training, tools, and support for educators who are new to NEFE’s programs or are existing users. The Making Sense Program offers free, comprehensive financial education for K-12 students while being customizable to any curriculum and setting. To measure the impact of its programs, Jeffco Credit Union interviewed former students and participants as follow-up case studies. Of all the subjects studied in high school, these students consistently reported that financial education is the absolute essential tool for the “real world.” A gift to the Foundation is an investment in our youth and our future.

Mile High United Way IDA Program —
Denver Community FCU and Mile High United Way
In partnership Mile High United Way and Denver Community FCU, the Foundation funded this project by providing matching funds for needy families, some formerly homeless, in individual development accounts (IDAs). IDAs are special savings accounts that are used for a first-time home purchase, for postsecondary education, and for small-business capitalization. Other services provided by this project include financial education, credit repair services, tax assistance, job counseling, and support for the development of affordable housing. Your gift makes the possibility of financial security a reality for those who are most vulnerable.

WYOMING

Jump$tart Coalition for Financial Literacy and
Credit Union Association of Wyoming
The Foundation supports the mission of the Wyoming Jump$tart Coalition for Financial Literacy to raise awareness of and improve the personal financial literacy of all Wyoming citizens. In February 2006, the coalition showcased its program to legislators, funders, and elected officials by hosting an event at the state Capitol along with a local high school’s catering club. By participating in this catering club, students put to use what they have learned in financial education classes in a variety of hands-on events. The Wyoming Jump$tart Coalition and the Credit Union Association of Wyoming offer workshops called Train the Trainer, which provide teachers, credit union staff, and volunteers with the comprehensive skills and techniques they need to deliver financial education curriculum to their students. A donation to our Foundation provides the necessary resources to improve the financial well-being of our community members.