Leaders in Financial Literacy

Leaders in Financial Literacy Awards for Credit Unions

The CrossState Credit Union Foundation has a history of promoting and supporting financial literacy initiatives. In 2024, we will again recognize and honor credit unions for excellence in the advancement of financial literacy.

New for next year is a fifth award called the Collaboration in Financial Literacy Award. This new award is to encourage and celebrate credit union collaboration in serving our communities. Projects from credit unions, chapters, or multiple credit unions or chapters are eligible for this award.

Award winners will be honored during the CrossState Credit Union Association’s Annual Convention, being held on May 19 to 21, 2024, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Applications for the Awards are closed. Sponsorship information for the Foundation Luncheon is below through the link.

Become a Sponsor

Eligibility Requirements

  • Open to all credit unions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
  • Entries should be made for projects initiated, conducted, or ongoing during the previous calendar year (2023)
  • Only one entry per credit union will be accepted; a credit union can also be a part of a Collaboration category nomination
  • Credit unions will be grouped by asset size and then each group will be judged separately; the Collaboration category will be judged separately

Examples of eligible projects:

  • In-school or after-school financial literacy programs
  • Community-based financial literacy programs
  • Workplace financial literacy programs
  • Programs for the unbanked or underbanked
  • First-time homebuyers programs
  • Learning to budget programs
  • Teaching how to use credit wisely
  • Student-run branches

Apply Today

Apply for one of the Leaders in Financial Literacy Awards

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2024 Financial Literacy Award Winners

Cross Valley Federal Credit Union

Ranger Credit Union – Promoting Financial Wellness for High School Students

Cross Valley FCU created a student-led credit union branch that provides financial services and programs for students including private appointments and classroom programs with the credit union’s Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors. The Ranger student branch offers employment and shadowing opportunities and collaborates with the school’s coffee shop. In 2023, The Ranger Program reached over 200 students.

2024 Financial Literacy Award Video

First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union

Raub Middle School Financial Wellness Program

First Commonwealth FCU made a three-year commitment to Raub Middle School to be used to provide financial education to 6th-, 7th-, and 8th-grade students and their families. The funding provides financial support for reading incentives like, “The Money Club,” financial education classes for parents, the school store, and student events.

2024 Financial Literacy Award Video

Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union

Conducting Seminars, “Senior Financial Scams: How to Protect Yourself, Family and Friends.”

Jersey Shore FCU created a seminar series “Senior Financial Scams” and held them at senior apartments, senior living communities, assisted living, senior centers, and other senior organizations. In 2023, they reached over 410 people. Many employees of the senior housing units and centers also attended the seminars to learn how they can help protect those they care for and serve.

2024 Financial Literacy Award Video

Mercer County Community Federal Credit Union

Junior Achievement BizTown Partnership

Mercer County Community FCU partnered with Junior Achievement of Western PA to sponsor the first group of students from Mercer County to participate in the BizTown comprehensive classroom and hands-on experience. The program involved 167 fifth graders from six classes.

2024 Financial Literacy Award Video

Members 1st of New Jersey

Special Collaboration Award

Members 1st of New Jersey FCU leads a successful collaboration with four other credit unions in the South Jersey area to hold Financial Reality Fairs in their communities. The committed partners are Bay Atlantic FCU, Campbell FCU, Jersey Shore FCU and Thunderbolt Area FCU.  In 2023, this collaboration reached 1,600 students.

2024 Financial Literacy Award Video

2024 Leaders in Financial Literacy Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor — Members 1st FCU


Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

Past Leaders in Financial Literacy Award Winners