A dozen credit unions from coast to coast were recently salutedfor playing a crucial role in the economic well-being of theircommunities by donating an above-average amount of time and moneyto educational outreach.

In a recent article emphasizing the relationship betweeneducation and the economy, the personal website GoBankingRates.com recognized20 credit unions and local banks for their devotion to supportingstudents, teachers and schools in innovative ways.

“There's an unquestionable tie between the health of a localschool system and the economic stability of its surroundingcommunity,” said Casey Bond, GoBankingRates managing editor.

“Communities without a bank or credit union pumping significanttime and money into improving the school system as a whole arebound to experience a less-educated workforce, lower wages andhigher unemployment,” Bond said.

For example, she pointed to the $2.4 billion Mission FederalCredit Union, which donates $25 to San Diego schools every time amember opens a checking account and sponsors “Mission 2 $ave,” anaward-winning financial literacy program.

“It's impressive to see how many credit unions contribute tobuilding strong local economies by promoting financial literacy,funding early childhoodeducation, donating to academic scholarships, advocating forcareer-oriented skill building and making various other communityservice efforts,” Bond said.

Twelve credit unions and eight local banks made the GoBankingRates list. Here are the credit unions:

• America First CU, $5.8 billion, Ogden, Utah
• Cy-Fair FCU, $189 million, Houston
• Dakota Plains FCU, $45 million, Lemmon, S.D.
• Flag CU, $37 million, Tallahassee, Fla.
• Foothill CU, $290 million, Arcadia, Calif.
• Great Lakes CU, $633 million, Chicago
• LA Financial CU, $355 million, Los Angeles
• Mission FCU, $2.4 billion, San Diego
• MONEY FCU, $42 million, Syracuse, N.Y.
• Space City CU, $65 million, Houston
• Travis CU, $2.1 billion, Sacramento, Calif.
• Ventura County CU, $652 million, Ventura, Calif.