The New York Credit Union Association will present several state-level Recognition Awards to credit unions, chapters and individuals at the 2017 Annual Meeting & Convention. Today’s featured award is the Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award, which recognizes credit unions that demonstrate a significant commitment to youth financial education.

This year’s winners are CORE FCU and Teachers FCU.

CORE FCU is receiving the award in the $50 million – $250 million asset category. CORE FCU operates a dynamic youth financial education program, with student-run high school credit unions as the cornerstone. Last year, CORE FCU continued to expand on its renowned “Students as Educators” model, which challenges students to take leadership roles when it comes to educating themselves, their peers, elementary and middle school students, and adults about personal finances. In total, the credit union committed more than 4,800 employee hours and over 100 volunteer hours to its financial education initiatives, reaching thousands of students in 2016.

Teachers FCU is receiving the award in the category for credit unions with more than $1 billion in assets. In 2016, the credit union conducted many youth financial education initiatives, including in-classroom presentations and the credit union’s Bank-at-School program. Teachers FCU partners with seven schools on Long Island to offer the Bank-at-School program, with credit union staff overseeing the programs at each location. Additionally, the credit union partners with the National Endowment for Financial Education, the Suffolk County District Attorney and local chambers of commerce to enhance their efforts. Teachers FCU also has its own website dedicated to financial education that contains resources, classroom presentations, practical money tips and more.

GPO FCU is receiving an honorable mention. In 2016, the credit union showed a strong commitment to youth financial education by delivering programming to organizations ranging from local schools, community colleges and youth employment services, as well as through low-income housing initiatives.