Industry Press
The Press Center allows credit unions and their partners to share important news and keep accomplishments front and center in the credit union industry.
Education Foundation for California Schools Awards $280,000 in Grants to California Educators
The Education Foundation for California Schools, a nonprofit created by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and the Orange County Department of Education, awarded 95 grants to teachers in California to support programs that inspire students to learn and excel in core subjects, including language arts, science, mathematics, foreign language and social studies. The grants, awarded in
Newsweek Names SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union One of America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions in 2026
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union has earned a spot on Newsweek’s America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2026 list for the third consecutive year, ranking among the top 500 credit unions nationwide. The recognition highlights SchoolsFirst FCU’s financial strength, trusted member experience and ongoing investment in California’s school communities.
SchoolsFirst FCU Raised More Than $3.3M for Children’s Miracle Network
I wanted to share some exciting news from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union: in 2025, the Credit Union contributed more than $3.3 million to support Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Rady Children’s Health, and UC Davis Children’s Hospital. Highlights include a $3 million donation to Rady Children’s Health’s new ambulatory building in
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Lowers Down Payment Requirements to Expand Mortgage Access for School Employees
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest Credit Union in California, is helping make home ownership a reality for school employees. The down payment requirement has been lowered from 5% to 3% allowing qualifying school employees in California to become homeowners in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the U.S. Recent data shows
SchoolsFirst FCU Spreads Holiday Cheer at Rady Children’s Health
A team of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union employees sponsored a holiday gift giving opportunity for Rady Children’s Health in Orange County on December 18.
Los Angeles Mid-City Branch Extends SchoolsFirst FCU’s Footprint to 72 Branches in California
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union opened it 72nd Branch in Los Angeles on December 22.
SchoolsFirst FCU Expands Financial Planning Services for Members and Educators Across California
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union announced that its Third-Party Administrator (TPA) affiliate, SchoolsFirst Plan Administration, LLC, successfully onboarded a number of new school districts in California in 2025, greatly expanding its presence into new regions. As a TPA, SchoolsFirst Plan Administration helps school districts with IRS plan compliance, education and customized personal financial advice.
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Partners with Orange County Department of Education to Celebrate 2026 Orange County Teachers of the Year
I thought your readers might be interested in a great community story. SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union partnered with the Orange County Department of Education to celebrate the 2026 Orange County Teachers of the Year, honoring 62 exceptional educators and supporting finalists with special awards and recognition. I’ve included the full release and a photo below
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Wins Three Awards from the Marketing Association of Credit Unions
SchoolsFirst FCU was recognized with three MAC Awards this year for standout digital, direct mail, and in-branch campaigns. Each delivered major results, including a 43 percent increase in certificate conversions and a 412 percent jump in reactivated Members.
Redwood Credit Union and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Host an International Delegation of Industry Leaders
TUSTIN, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2025) – Redwood Credit Union in Northern California and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union in Southern California welcomed more than 40 credit union leaders from across Africa to their respective headquarters for a multi-day Learn & Share Visit focused on collaboration, community impact and cultural exchange. The visit was part of a
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Names Michael Pfau SVP of Digital Experience
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union has named Michael Pfau as its new Senior Vice President of Digital Experience, a role focused on enhancing online and mobile banking for more than one million Members. Pfau brings extensive experience in digital strategy, product development, and financial technology, most recently serving as Chief Digital Officer at Axos Financial. In
SchoolsFirst FCU Opens 71st Branch in California – Burbank Now Open
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union opens New Burbank Branch, extending its footprint to 761 branches in California.
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and Sacramento Republic Football Club Honor Sacramento 2026 Teachers of the Year
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union recognized eleven educators as Sacramento County’s 2026 Teachers of the Year in an on-field ceremony at the Sacramento Republic Football Club game at Heart Health Park on Oct. 4. In partnership with Sacramento County Office of Education, the annual event spotlights local educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation in the classroom
SchoolsFirst FCU Partners with the California County Superintendents to Recognize Education Leaders Throughout the State
Photos available here: https://assets.schoolsfirstfcu.org/share/50C8B60C-1006-4552-8489351E8AA7D264/ Education leaders and county offices of education throughout California were recognized for their outstanding contributions to public education at the 2025 County Superintendents Awards Reception, held Sept. 30, 2025, in San Diego. The annual event, hosted by the California County Superintendents in partnership with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, celebrated individuals and
SchoolsFirst FCU and Sacramento Republic FC Surprise and Honor 10 School Employees From Sacramento Area
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, recognized 10 employees in the Twin Rivers Unified School District in Sacramento County as Classified Employees of the Year during a surprise ceremony. These employees represent various categories of non-certified, non-management employees who have gone above
SchoolsFirst FCU Recognized for Financial Education and Community Engagement
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, received the Business Team Award from the Classroom of the Future Foundation, for the Credit Union’s longstanding dedication to the community, educators and the students they serve in the San Diego region. SchoolsFirst FCU also received
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Receives Four National Awards for Financial Education Initiatives from Credit Union Financial Education Network
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, received four national awards for its financial education initiatives from the Credit Union Financial Education Network (CUFEN). Presented during the CUFEN annual conference held July 28 – 30 in Philadelphia, PA, CUFEN equips credit union industry
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Donates 3,200 Backpacks Throughout California
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, delivered 3,200 backpacks filled with school supplies—including pencils, erasers, notebooks, and other classroom essentials—to 13 county offices of education throughout California, including the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE). In an effort to serve students in
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Raises Awareness for Children’s Hospital Orange County Through the 2025 CHOC Walk in the Park
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, helped raise awareness for Children’s Hospital Orange County (CHOC), now part of Rady Children’s Health, through participation in the CHOC Walk in the Park event and a team member “T-Shirt for Kids Fridays” fundraiser. SchoolsFirst FCU
SchoolsFirst FCU Honors School Employees in Recognition Events Throughout California
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union serving school employees and their families, recently recognized 30 school employees, representing various categories of non-certified, non-management employees across four California counties. Nine of these school employees were also named 2025 Classified Employee of the Year by the California Department of Education.
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Supports Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Through Event Participation and In-Branch Fundraising Activities
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, helped raise awareness for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) through participation in CHLA’s Make March Matter, the Walk & Play L.A. annual event and a “T-Shirt for Kids Fridays” fundraiser for team members.
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Lobby to Support Healing and Hope in CHOC’s New Outpatient Tower
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, as part its ongoing commitment to Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), now part of Rady Children’s Health, has announced support of a nine-story ambulatory building designed to provide care for children and families across Southern California. In recognition of this donation, the first-floor lobby of the tower has been named
SchoolsFirst FCU Team Members Help Harvest 6,000 Pounds of Produce on Credit Union Industry’s Development Education Day of Service
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, participated in the credit union industry’s annual Development Education (DE) Day of Service on June 11, joining forces with credit union teams from around the world to complete a day of community service. This designated day
SchoolsFirst FCU Recognizes Four San Diego School Superintendents at the Classroom of the Future Foundation Innovation in Education Awards
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, presented the Innovative Superintendent and Team Award to four school district leaders in San Diego County during the 22nd Annual Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF) Innovation in Education Awards program held May 15 at SeaWorld
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Ranked #1 in California by Forbes
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families in the U.S., has landed as No. 1 on Forbes’ 2025 list of the Best Credit Unions in California. America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions 2025 ranking lists the financial institutions that stood out for fulfilling the unique
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Announces Winners of 2025 Member Education Award Scholarships
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the nation’s largest serving school employees and their families, has awarded $210,500 in college scholarships to 248 students as part of its annual Member Education Award scholarship program for 2025. Launched in 2000, the scholarship program was established to invest in Members’ long-term success.
Kirsten Tahara, First Grade Teacher at Ethel I. Baker Elementary School in Sacramento, Named 2024/2025 Esquire IMAX Teacher of the Year
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, in partnership with ABC10 Sacramento, Esquire IMAX Theatre, Papa Murphy’s Pizza and the Sacramento State College of Education, today announced that Kirsten Tahara of Ethel I. Baker Elementary School in the Sacramento City Unified School District
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Celebrates School Employee Appreciation Night at May 9 Angels Game
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, sponsored a special night to honor school employees in recognition of School Employee Appreciation Month at the Angels game on May 9, 2025. School employees who attended the game received discounted tickets, an Angels promotional giveaway,
SchoolsFirst FCU Sponsors Awards Gala for Santa Maria-Bonita School District
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, today announced its sponsorship of the Santa Maria-Bonita School District’s Excellence in Education Awards Gala held on March 6. The event celebrated the achievements of the district’s employees by honoring the talent, dedication and passion they
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Named #1 Credit Union for Member Satisfaction by J.D. Power
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, has been named the No. 1 credit union for member satisfaction. In J.D. Power’s inaugural U.S. Credit Union Satisfaction Study, our Members ranked us #1 for overall satisfaction and #1 in six out of the seven
TAPP Engine’s 9Squid Private Markets: First to Democratize Securitization for All Credit Unions*
Education Foundation for California Schools Awards $280,000 in Grants to California Educators
OCCU PRESIDENT & CEO NEUMANN RETIRING; SCHUMACHER TO TAKE REINS
First Independent Bank Selects Square 1 Credit Suite by Suntell
PARK COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $97,960 IN GRANTS THROUGH PATHWAYS TO PROSPERITY PROGRAM
Call for Entries: LAFCU’s 2026 Write to Educate Essay Contest
LAFCU and Grassroots Giving Lansing to host entrepreneurship mixer focused on lending essentials
CUES and TruStage® Launch Leadership Pathways to Expand Access to Executive-Ready Talent Across the Credit Union System
Coastal Credit Union Expands Mortgage Options with VA Loan Programs
Appli Calculator Deployment Drives 23% Conversion Rate for First Source Federal Credit Union
Baker Market Update – Week in Review: January 30, 2026
ALM First Welcomes Jennifer Walker as Director, Sales & Client Relations
Vizo Financial’s February 2026 Education Calendar
Coastal Credit Union Surpasses $6 Billion in Assets
13 families celebrate the new year in new homes thanks to RCU Community Fund’s Down Payment Assistance program
Vizo Financial Recaps Successful Year of Credit Union Education in 2025
Newsweek Names SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union One of America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions in 2026
Elan Charitable Giving Celebrates 5 Years with $250,000 in Donations
One Nevada Announces Promotions for Five Leaders
eDOC REPORTS ADOPTION GROWTH ACROSS DOCUMENT IMAGING AND eDOCSignature PLATFORMS
Arkatechture Announces Launch of AI Data Analyst Tool: ArkaIQ
Indiana Members Credit Union Recognized at Best Regional Credit Union by Newsweek and Indianapolis Community Choice Awards
SchoolsFirst FCU Raised More Than $3.3M for Children’s Miracle Network
Will Valadez Earns SPHR Credential, Advancing Strategic HR Leadership at Corporate Central
Registration Now Open for ALM First’s 2026 Derivatives Symposium
Corporate One Successfully Closes Inaugural Multi-Seller Prime Auto Securitization
Newsweek names Redwood Credit Union one of America’s Best Credit Unions for third year in a row
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Lowers Down Payment Requirements to Expand Mortgage Access for School Employees
Corporate Central Supercharges Business Onboarding with Next Generation Verification, powered by Middesk, in Beastro
CUNA Strategic Services Expands Sparrow Alliance to Help Credit Unions Deepen Member Relationships Beyond the Branch
TAPP Engine’s 9Squid Private Markets: First to Democratize Securitization for All Credit Unions*
Education Foundation for California Schools Awards $280,000 in Grants to California Educators
OCCU PRESIDENT & CEO NEUMANN RETIRING; SCHUMACHER TO TAKE REINS
First Independent Bank Selects Square 1 Credit Suite by Suntell
PARK COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $97,960 IN GRANTS THROUGH PATHWAYS TO PROSPERITY PROGRAM
Call for Entries: LAFCU’s 2026 Write to Educate Essay Contest
LAFCU and Grassroots Giving Lansing to host entrepreneurship mixer focused on lending essentials
CUES and TruStage® Launch Leadership Pathways to Expand Access to Executive-Ready Talent Across the Credit Union System
Coastal Credit Union Expands Mortgage Options with VA Loan Programs
Appli Calculator Deployment Drives 23% Conversion Rate for First Source Federal Credit Union
Baker Market Update – Week in Review: January 30, 2026
ALM First Welcomes Jennifer Walker as Director, Sales & Client Relations
Vizo Financial’s February 2026 Education Calendar
Coastal Credit Union Surpasses $6 Billion in Assets
13 families celebrate the new year in new homes thanks to RCU Community Fund’s Down Payment Assistance program
Vizo Financial Recaps Successful Year of Credit Union Education in 2025
Newsweek Names SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union One of America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions in 2026
Elan Charitable Giving Celebrates 5 Years with $250,000 in Donations
One Nevada Announces Promotions for Five Leaders
eDOC REPORTS ADOPTION GROWTH ACROSS DOCUMENT IMAGING AND eDOCSignature PLATFORMS
Arkatechture Announces Launch of AI Data Analyst Tool: ArkaIQ
Indiana Members Credit Union Recognized at Best Regional Credit Union by Newsweek and Indianapolis Community Choice Awards
SchoolsFirst FCU Raised More Than $3.3M for Children’s Miracle Network
Will Valadez Earns SPHR Credential, Advancing Strategic HR Leadership at Corporate Central
Registration Now Open for ALM First’s 2026 Derivatives Symposium
Corporate One Successfully Closes Inaugural Multi-Seller Prime Auto Securitization
Newsweek names Redwood Credit Union one of America’s Best Credit Unions for third year in a row
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Lowers Down Payment Requirements to Expand Mortgage Access for School Employees
Corporate Central Supercharges Business Onboarding with Next Generation Verification, powered by Middesk, in Beastro
CUNA Strategic Services Expands Sparrow Alliance to Help Credit Unions Deepen Member Relationships Beyond the Branch
TAPP Engine’s 9Squid Private Markets: First to Democratize Securitization for All Credit Unions*
Education Foundation for California Schools Awards $280,000 in Grants to California Educators
OCCU PRESIDENT & CEO NEUMANN RETIRING; SCHUMACHER TO TAKE REINS
First Independent Bank Selects Square 1 Credit Suite by Suntell
PARK COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $97,960 IN GRANTS THROUGH PATHWAYS TO PROSPERITY PROGRAM
Call for Entries: LAFCU’s 2026 Write to Educate Essay Contest