#United States #California #California Credit Union #Teacher Grants #Educational Funding

California Credit Union Foundation Empowers Educators with Funding

In an inspiring move to enhance educational innovation, the California Credit Union Foundation has recently awarded $5,000 in grants aimed at supporting teachers and their students. These funds, distributed as part of their Spring 2025 Teacher Grant Program, will be used to finance a variety of school projects focused on creativity and hands-on learning experiences.

This initiative funded projects such as a forensic science curriculum, which not only engages students in the mystery-solving aspect of science but also nurtures critical thinking skills. Additionally, the foundation is empowering 4th-grade students to become entrepreneurs by helping them create and market their own products. Such initiatives have a profound impact on developing skills that are invaluable in today’s fast-paced world.

As part of its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities, the California Credit Union Foundation provided grants to teachers across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, and Ventura counties. A diversity of programs have been funded that showcase the dedication and creativity of local educators determined to make a difference within their classrooms and communities.

Marvel Ford, President of the California Credit Union Foundation, emphasized the importance of supporting teachers, stating, "We’re proud to support the creativity and dedication of local educators through these grant awards. Teachers are at the heart of student success, and these innovative projects represent the kind of hands-on, inspiring learning experiences that make a meaningful difference. We're honored to play a small role in helping bring these ideas to life in classrooms across our communities."

Grant Recipients and Their Innovative Projects

Among the recipients of this year’s awards, a selection of noteworthy projects include:

• - Michael Connors Long from William Howard Taft Charter High School in Woodland Hills, who will utilize the grant for a project yet to be detailed publicly.
• - Doelyn Estrella at Arleta High School in Arleta, involved in new educational methods.
• - Tia Ignoffo from Trabuco Hills High School in Mission Viejo who is also focused on developing educational initiatives.
• - Patricia Jolliff from Richardson PREP HI Middle School in San Bernardino, working on a project to uplift middle school students.
• - Brian McLaughlin of Conejo Academy in Thousand Oaks.
• - Tam Nguyen at Los Padrinos Academy in Downey, who plans to utilize the grant for Social and Emotional Learning workshops for juvenile court school students.

Many of these educators have been selected for their passionate proposals, with each aiming for transformative projects that cater to their students’ diverse academic needs.

Since the inception of the grant program back in 2012, California Credit Union and its Foundation have collectively awarded an impressive $215,000 to teachers for innovative learning projects. Typically, up to 20 grants are distributed bi-annually, ensuring that full-time teachers in the Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties can apply for funding. The projects submitted must display a high level of creativity, clear learning objectives, and have the potential to impact a significant number of students positively.

About California Credit Union Foundation

The California Credit Union Foundation stands as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, functioning as the philanthropic arm of California Credit Union. Recognized as a Forbes Best-In-State Credit Union for 2024-2025, it manages over $5 billion in assets, serves nearly 200,000 members, and maintains 25 retail branches. Through its community programs, the Foundation diligently works to enhance the financial well-being of the local populace and contributes 100% of the donations back into impactful initiatives.

For further insights, donations, or to learn more about their endeavors, you can visit ccu.com/foundation or follow them on Instagram at @ccufoundation.

This initiative not only represents a financial boost for teachers but also emphasizes the vital role educators play in shaping the future of their students and the community at large.