Credit Union of America's newly opened branch in Hays, Kan., is partnering with Fort Hays State University's College of Education through a three-year, $90,000 commitment aimed at supporting teacher preparation programs and future educators.
The partnership will fund several initiatives within the College of Education, including a cooperating teacher fund, a teacher pinning ceremony, new teacher boxes and licensure fee assistance for students preparing to enter the profession. According to the university, the agreement marked the first time the College of Education has secured a corporate sponsor.
The collaboration began before Credit Union of America broke ground on its new Hays branch at 2500 Vine St.
"They approached us and said they wanted to help, so we shared our wish list," Paul Adams, dean of the College of Education, said. "To me, it shows their commitment to being a good community partner, especially for education."
Part of the funding will help offset teacher licensure costs for students. According to the university, students seeking licensure can face up to $500 in fees in addition to testing and background check expenses before graduation. Through the partnership, Credit Union of America will provide 26 scholarships of $300 each year for students with the greatest financial need.
"That will be very useful," Adams said. "This support allows us to put into action ideas we've long discussed, building respect and honoring the teaching profession while better serving the needs of our future educators."
The partnership also includes the creation of "new teacher boxes" containing classroom supplies such as paper, pens and sticky notes that new teachers often purchase out of pocket. Credit Union of America is partnering with Project Teacher on the initiative. According to the university, Project Teacher is the only free teacher resource center in Kansas.
"It has the things you don't think about needing, things we often take for granted," Adams said.
Additional support will fund a teacher pinning ceremony, a graduate reception, College of Education stoles and educator recognition opportunities at athletic events.
Bradley Dyer Jr., senior business development officer at Credit Union of America, said the partnership reflects the organization's longstanding ties to education.
"To understand our relationship with educators, you have to go back to our history," Dyer said. "We were founded in 1935 by a science teacher as the Wichita City Teachers Credit Union to provide financial stability for educators."
Credit Union of America expanded its charter in 1974 to serve the broader community but has continued supporting education initiatives, Dyer said.
"We don't necessarily want to put our name on buildings," Dyer said. "We want to have a real-life impact on individuals and their families. Educators need as much support as they can get, and Fort Hays State is a prolific producer of teachers. We wanted to create something meaningful that will have a lasting impact on students and build a strong partnership."
Joyce Moed can be reached at joyce.moed@arc-network.com.
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