SAN JOSE, Calif. and HILLSBORO, Ore. (June 13, 2023) — First Tech Federal Credit Union, the nation's ninth-largest credit union, contributed more than $1 million to support education initiatives in its local communities, including $1,030,000 in grants to 69 nonprofit organizations and $60,000 in scholarships to 12 First Tech member students. Aligning with First Tech's people-before-profits philosophy, the awarded organizations facilitate equitable access to science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), early childhood literacy, and financial education.

Charitable giving remains essential as nonprofits continue to operate through challenging economic circumstances. For this year's grant cycle, First Tech prioritized allocating funds to nonprofit partners who eliminate educational and learning gaps for BIPOC students, girls, and individuals within low-income communities.

"First Tech is dedicated to supporting our education partners and the incredible work they do for under-served students in the communities they serve," said Monique Little, First Tech's Chief People and Administrative Officer. "We are honored to partner with and provide grants to these organizations so they can continue implementing programs that positively enhance student’s educational and personal development." 

First Tech's education grant program supports organizations working to dismantle barriers and foster a more equitable future across California, Oregon, and Washington by extending access to academic programs, career opportunities, and professional networks in STEM, literacy, and financial education.  

Childhood literacy programs became a focal point for this year's grant cycle, as First Tech aimed to combat growing academic inequities. First Tech increased its contributions to the nonprofit SMART Reading, which helps children realize their full potential through reading by pairing them with adult volunteers who provide literacy instruction and books for the child’s personal library. Erica Vince, Development Officer of SMART Reading, shared, "Thank you to First Tech for your 25 years of support for SMART Reading and the young readers of Oregon. We're so grateful for your financial support, volunteerism, and board member participation."

First Tech grant recipient, Greene Scholars, exemplifies the effort to remove educational obstacles for BIPOC students by enriching youth of African ancestry with STEM courses, science fairs, engineering competitions, and mentorship for academic and professional aspirations. Tasha Castañeda, Director of Development and Outreach at Greene Scholars, shared, "The First Tech Education Grant will help Greene Scholars provide monthly hands-on science workshops for 3rd – 12th-grade youth of African ancestry, helping them build confidence and competence in studying STEM fields."

To make a significant and lasting impact in their local communities, First Tech maintains consistent partnerships with their education grant recipients. Emily McDowell, Development and Communications Manager at Tandem, Partners in Early Learning – a nonprofit bringing literacy education and early learning materials to Bay Area students – stated, "We deeply appreciate First Tech's generous charitable contributions, as well as employee engagement, in our work. Together, we can co-create equitable early learning opportunities for all Bay Area children." 

California First Tech Education Grant Partners:

First Tech awarded $227,500 to California community organizations; California First Tech Education Grant partners include: 

Oregon First Tech Education Grant Partners:

In Oregon, First Tech designated $632,000 to community organizations; Oregon First Tech Education Grant partners include:

Washington First Tech Education Grant Partners:

First Tech granted $170,500 in Washington to support community organizations; Washington First Tech Education Grant partners include:

ABOUT FIRST TECH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION’S COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

First Tech Federal Credit Union is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. In 2022, First Tech provided over $4 million in charitable giving to 128 organizations and more than 80% of employees participated in community engagement; directing dollars and time to nonprofit partners who provide programs and services to children and families in need. First Tech’s philanthropic focus areas include support for education (STEM, early childhood literacy, financial education, and scholarships) and fundamental needs (hunger, shelter and community health). Visit https://www.firsttechfed.com/community to learn more about the ways First Tech pays it forward throughout the year.

ABOUT FIRST TECH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

First Tech Federal Credit Union is a $16+ billion institution headquartered in San Jose, California. The nation’s premier credit union serves the world’s leading technology-oriented companies and their employees, including HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Microsoft, Agilent, Intel, Cisco, Amazon, Nike, Intuit, Google, and more. First Tech is recognized as the industry catalyst for delivering effortless banking experiences to more than 720,000 members through its 33 branch locations, more than 5,600 CO-OP Shared Branch locations, 30,000 CO-OP Network ATMs, and online platforms. First Tech offers a full range of financial services, including traditional banking, online banking, mortgages, financial planning, various consumer loans, and insurance services. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. For more information, visit www.firsttechfed.com.

CONTACT

Carey Kerns
The Hoffman Agency
503-754-7975firsttech@hoffman.com