BELLINGHAM (September 18, 2023) — WECU has announced it will award a total of $125,000 to four local nonprofits as a part of its Education First Grant Program. The four nonprofits are Children of the Valley, Skagit Valley Community College’s Manufacturing Technology Program, Whatcom Dream, and Whatcom Center for Early Learning. The grants will be allocated over a two-year period.
“These organizations are doing amazing work for our community,” said Jennifer Kutcher, WECU President and CEO. “We’re proud to be able to support them in this way.”
The Education First Grant Program was created in 2019 to align the credit union’s major giving more closely around the topic of education. Its focus on education is a nod to WECU’s history as a credit union founded by Bellingham teachers in 1936. The four recipients join the 2022 recipients, bringing the total currently funded by the program to seven.
2023 Education First Grant Awardees:
The Whatcom Dream is a nonprofit organization that has been providing free financial empowerment courses and community education since 1999.
Children of the Valley is where children in need are provided a safe and supportive after-school environment that celebrates each child’s unique potential and cultivates connection, learning, and confidence.
Skagit Valley College’s Manufacturing Technology Program
The Manufacturing Technology (MANF) program at Skagit Valley Community College provides students with the foundational skills needed for many entry-level manufacturing jobs. It introduces students to key workplace skill areas often found in advanced manufacturing-related industries.
Whatcom Center for Early Learning
Whatcom Center for Early Learning’s mission is to partner with families to provide high-quality, equitable, and comprehensive therapy and support services to children experiencing developmental delays and disabilities.
About WECU
WECU is a not-for-profit credit union based in Bellingham, Washington. Founded in 1936 as Bellingham Teachers Credit Union, WECU serves individuals and businesses located throughout the state of Washington. With more than $2.5 billion in assets, WECU serves more than 147,000 members and employs nearly 400 people in Whatcom and Skagit County.
Media Contact:
Keith Mader, Program Manager PR & Content at WECU, 360-756-7694, keith.mader@wecu.com
