Westerra CU Opens Another Wave of Available Funds and Shares Story from 2020 Grant Recipient

Denver, CO – September 27, 2021 – For over a decade, the Westerra Credit Union School Grant Program has supported local students and teachers. The credit union is thrilled to announce another wave of funds available for this school year. The program, which has awarded over $500,000 in grants since its inception in 2010, strives to enhance students’ experiences at school.

“Giving back to local schools is at Westerra’s core. We’re really proud of the causes we’ve supported and encourage local districts to apply for this round of grants,” said Westerra President/CEO Jay Champion.

Examples of Westerra’s School Grant Program impact include: providing items such as art supplies, sports fees and equipment, after school programs, workbooks or other activities local schools determine most beneficial.  Just last year, Westerra was able to support Golden High School in their pursuit of a new disc golf course. 

"Receiving this grant continues to mean the world to my students. We are constantly looking for ways to keep the kids active, and having the funds to put in a disc golf course has made outdoor recreation readily available to our students and the community,” said Andrew Gitner, English Teacher and Assistant Speech and Debate Coach at Golden High School. “Not only are students using the course during Phys. Ed classes, but other programs have contributed to the design, development, and improvement of the course. Students poured concrete for the baskets, tested the holes, and designed the tee signs that will be installed in the ground this year. The funds directly contributed to students’ application of 21st century skills to give back to the Golden community. We appreciate Westerra's grant program for allowing us to provide this option for both recreation and education.”

The application deadline is Friday, October 8th, with grant checks ready for distribution in late October. All schools in Denver Public Schools, Douglas County Schools, Jeffco Public Schools, Mapleton Public Schools or other districts are eligible and may apply. Please limit to one request per school. To find out more, please visit https://www.westerracu.com/community/serving-our-schools/grants. 

Video of Golden High School Disc Golf Course: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IvcjR6eMZmQsphMRuTk0QdMiBa7LJb1l

About Westerra Credit Union

Westerra Credit Union is a financial cooperative locally-owned by the people who have accounts at the credit union. Eight Denver teachers started the credit union in the midst of the Great Depression. They pooled their funds and made loans to each other to strengthen families and the community during that crisis. Today they carry that mission forward to help families and communities through the financial hardship of the COVID-19 crisis. Denver-based Westerra Credit Union holds over $1.9 billion in assets and serves 125,000 members throughout the Denver metro area. For more information, visit www.westerracu.com.