BELLINGHAM, WA (September 7, 2025) – WECU is excited to announce the recipients of its Education First Grant Program, which provides a total of $125,000 in funding over two years. These grants will empower organizations that are making a tangible impact on the lives of individuals and families in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. The four recipients of this year’s grants are Wild Whatcom, Communities in Schools Whatcom-Skagit, Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center, and FuturesNW.

The Education First Grant Program was launched in 2019 to strategically focus WECU’s charitable giving on educational initiatives, reflecting the credit union’s deep-rooted history in education, as a credit union founded by teachers. The program aims to uplift educational programs that foster innovation, inclusion, and lifelong learning.

2025 Education First Grant Awardees:

  • Wild Whatcom partners with 19 classrooms in Whatcom County to create access to the outdoors. Through EdVentures and SEED programming, hundreds of 2nd graders and special needs K-12 students benefit from outdoor learning and STEAM activities.
  • Communities in Schools Whatcom-Skagit is a nonprofit providing success coaches at local schools throughout the academic year. These dedicated mentors support students by fostering consistent attendance and helping them thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
  • Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center’s Youth Program provides conflict resolution education to students in K-12 schools throughout Whatcom County.
  • FuturesNW Learning with Leaders is a career exploration program for high school students. It offers hands-on workshops where students connect with college instructors and industry professionals to learn about potential educational and career pathways in Whatcom and Skagit Counties.

About WECU

WECU is a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union headquartered in Bellingham, Washington. WECU was founded in 1936 as the Bellingham Teacher’s Credit Union. Today, it serves over 168,000 members with more than $3.0 billion in assets. WECU is committed to enhancing the financial well-being of its members and making a positive impact in the communities it serves.