WECU Awards $125,000 to Support Educational Initiatives in Whatcom and Skagit

BELLINGHAM, WA (September 11, 2024) – WECU is excited to announce the recipients of its prestigious 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 Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY), Skagit Preschool and Resource Center (SPARC), Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) – Startup School, and Whatcom Literacy Council.

“These organizations are the heart of our community, offering essential services that inspire growth, spark creativity, and open doors to new opportunities,” said Jennifer Kutcher, President and CEO of WECU. “We are deeply honored to stand beside them, supporting their vital work.”

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. Established in 1936 by a group of Bellingham teachers, WECU has grown from its humble beginnings into a leading financial institution yet remains true to its founding principles. The program aims to uplift educational programs that foster innovation, inclusion, and lifelong learning.

2024 Education First Grant Awardees:

• Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY): BAAY is a beacon for youth arts education, offering programs in theater, choir, dance, music, and visual arts. Committed to accessibility, BAAY ensures that all students, regardless of financial means, have the opportunity to explore and develop their artistic talents. This grant will help BAAY continue to inspire creativity and confidence in the next generation of artists.
• Whatcom Literacy Council: The Whatcom Literacy Council provides free literacy services to adult learners, helping them gain the skills needed to pursue employment, higher education, and a more secure future. By breaking down barriers to literacy, the organization empowers individuals to lift themselves out of poverty and achieve self-sufficiency. WECU’s support will enable the Council to expand its reach and impact within the community.
• Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) – Startup School: EDASC’s Startup School offers aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. This no-cost program covers essential business fundamentals and provides personalized, one-on-one support to ensure long-term success. The grant from WECU will allow Startup School to continue nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit that drives economic growth and innovation in Skagit County.
• Skagit Preschool and Resource Center (SPARC): SPARC plays a crucial role in the early development of children with developmental delays, offering comprehensive education, early intervention, and therapy services from birth to age five. This grant will help SPARC continue to provide the specialized care and support that these children need to thrive, setting them on a path to success in school and beyond.

About WECU: WECU is a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union headquartered in Bellingham, Washington. With deep roots in the community, WECU was founded in 1936 as the Bellingham Teachers Credit Union. Today, it serves over 163,000 members with more than $2.8 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.