April is National Financial Capability Month.

As a central credit union tenant, members’ financial health is at the forefront of everything in the movement. See how credit unions across the country are improving members’ financial lives through financial education.

SCE Federal Credit Union invests in the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles

The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles and SCE Federal Credit Union in Irwindale, Calif., agreed to a five-year partnership in which the $1.1 billion asset credit union made a $1 million, five-year investment into YMCA-LA and the communities they serve.

The partnership includes financial education programs, resources, and benefits to improve the financial health of individuals, families, and communities across Los Angeles County.

To celebrate the partnership, SCE Federal presented YMCA-LA executive leadership with a $1 million check during a March 21 community event at the Weingart East LA YMCA. The credit union also held a financial education workshop to provide community members with the tools and resources to be financially secure.

SCE Federal President/CEO Jennifer Oliver reaffirmed the credit union’s commitment to financial education, adding that the partnership will also include opportunities for volunteerism, mentorship, marketing, and community event participation.

“This partnership is the perfect representation of our mission and goals in action, and we are thrilled to bring our services to such a storied organization in our community,” she says.

Red River Credit Union partners with university for tuition discount

Red River Credit Union’s new partnership with Texas A&M University-Texarkana aims to empower members through educational opportunities. Through this collaboration, members of the $1.4 billion asset credit union in Texarkana, Texas, will have access to an exclusive tuition discount program, providing significant benefits for those pursuing higher education at the university.

Red River members who enroll at the institution will receive a 25% tuition discount for classroom courses, easing the financial burden associated with pursuing a college degree. Additionally, members will enjoy their first class free.

“We’re proud to partner with Texas A&M University-Texarkana in offering this incredible opportunity to our members," says Red River CEO Brad Bailey. "Education is the cornerstone of personal and professional growth. Through this partnership, we aim to support our members in their pursuit of academic excellence while easing the financial strain often associated with higher education.”

Signal Financial Federal Credit Union offers financial education events

As part of its commitment to empower members to take ownership of their financial journeys, $410 million asset Signal Financial Federal Credit Union in Kensington, Md., is celebrating National Financial Capability Month with these events:

• April 3—Signal Financial Senior Branch Manager Etsegenet Zamanuel will answer questions regarding credit unions and their products as part of Signal’s Credit Union 101: Your Roadmap to Financial Empowerment event.
• April 9—Signal Financial Senior Vice President of Consumer and Real Estate Lending Said Halim and Consumer Lending Underwriter Maritza Gutierrez will hold a Credit Management Seminar at the credit union’s headquarters.
• April 18—Vice President of Member Experience Nick Moreland will give a presentation on how families can plan, save, and invest in their financial futures.
• April 25—Financial Advisor Tom Turner will hold a presentation on maintaining a diversified portfolio in retirement.

Signal Financial will also use its social media channels to share financial tips, resources, and tools to help individuals better understand their finances and plan for the future.

SAFE Credit Union holds free webinars

SAFE Credit Union’s financial education team is offering a series of free webinars focused on helping consumers better manage their budgets and keep their financial information safe.

“We look forward to sharing tips and information on how to better build one’s financial freedom during Financial Capability Month,” says Hector Madueno, financial wellness manager at the $4.7 billion asset credit union in Folsom, Calif. “These webinars are especially accessible and informative.”

SAFE’s other offerings during April include Budget Cents workshops for high schoolers, an online Financial Education Tool Kit, and financial tips on the credit union’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Other ways credit unions improve members’ financial lives:

• PODCAST: Financial health roundtable
  SkyPoint Federal Credit Union’s Cassandre Cassamajor, Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union’s Autumn Solomon, and Meritrust Credit Union’s Chris Wolgamott explain the importance of financial education and how their credit unions improve members’ financial lives.

• High-stakes financial health
  Cassamajor, Solomon, and Wolgamott discuss the importance of being vigilant and proactive while ensuring members’ financial health.
  
  
• Share the financial wellness story
  Cassamajor, Solomon, and Wolgamott explore the community aspect of credit unions’ financial well-being efforts, including the importance of storytelling and finding others who understand your passion for serving members.
  
  
• ‘We don't wait for people to walk in the door’
  INOVA Federal Credit Union employees are accessible to everyone in Elkhart, Ind., meeting people in the community and helping them on their journey to financial freedom.
  
  
• Financial health: ‘A hallmark of membership’
  Improving members’ financial health provides a strong and defensible market position, according to a white paper from the Councils, powered by America’s Credit Unions.
  
  
• Culture, community, and climate
  Meet Kaua'i Federal Credit Union Director of Community Impact Hazelmae Overturf, and learn how the $147 million asset credit union in Lihue, Hawaii, is creating an economic resiliency center to boost islanders’ economic resilience.
  
  
• ‘Everything we do is to better the community’
  Stepping Stones Community Federal Credit Union CEO Blanche Jackson explains how the $4.6 million asset credit union in Wilmington, Del., offers incarcerated individuals savings accounts and financial education to prepare for their release.
  
  
• Award-winning effort boosts members’ life skills
  Birmingham (Ala.) City Credit Union CEO Carrie Player explains how financial education and a relationship-based mindset sparked the $10 million asset credit union’s 2023 Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award.
  
  
• ‘Tiny but mighty’ credit union makes an impact
  Learn about a community-centered, member-led learning circle at $9 million asset Comunidad Latina Federal Credit Union in Santa Ana, Calif.