VACU Gets Statewide Recognition for Financial Education

Virginia Credit Union has been recognized for financial education programs for youth and adults.

Virginia Credit Union took two first place awards among large credit unions in Virginia in the Desjardins financial education awards sponsored by its statewide trade association, the Virginia Credit Union League.

The adult education award recognized a financial wellness program for state employees that the credit union offers in partnership with the Virginia Department of Human Resources. The program reached more than 10 percent of the state workforce last year with 14,000 online financial education classes and more than 7,000 employees participating.

Virginia Credit Union also received a first place award for youth education for teaching children about money and making free books available to families. VACU partnered with RVA Reads to serve all pre-K students in the City of Richmond. In addition, the credit union worked with the Girl Scouts of Virginia, Southampton Elementary School, and credit union members with young children to distribute books on saving to hundreds more young readers.

Virginia Credit Union has a team of four fulltime educators who coordinate and teach in-person and online educational programs at credit union facilities, workplaces, community centers and schools throughout the year. Cherry Dale, Virginia Credit Union’s Vice President for Financial Education, leads the efforts.

“We are very pleased by the recognition for our work,” said Dale. “Financial education is a vital skill for people of all ages and income levels, and we are pleased to do our part to positively impact our members and the community.”

In 2019, VACU’s programs reached more than 36,000 individuals, chiefly through face-to-face programs. In 2020, with the economic concerns brought on by the coronavirus, VACU shifted many of its programs to online learning and participation nearly doubled to more than 62,000.

A financial cooperative serving more than 300,000 members, Virginia Credit Union offers a variety of affordable banking services, loans, mortgages, and free financial education resources, with a focus on helping people be more confident with their finances. Virginia Credit Union is an equal housing opportunity lender and is federally insured by NCUA.