ST. JOSEPH, Mich. United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) donated $2,500 to the Lakeshore Excellence Foundation (LEF) for its Reach Higher Technology Campaign. The initiative, which has raised more than $143,000 to date, will equip 74 classrooms in the Lakeshore School District with much-needed new technology.
Each class will receive a document camera, drop down screen, digital projector, and laptop for the teacher. Equipment, plus installation, costs $2,500 per room. With its donation, UFCU has been able to fully-equip an entire classroom with technology upgrades.
"Dire economic factors continue to impact our schools across the state, but there is a sense of urgency here in the Lakeshore district," said LEF Chairperson JC Anderson. Of the 610 school districts in Michigan, Lakeshore Public Schools receive dramatically less in state funding per student. "92% of the districts in Michigan receive more funding than we do," explained Anderson. "Because funding is so limited, the LEF is a necessary resource to provide kids with the education they deserve."
UFCU has been an ardent supporter of the LEF for several years. Annually, it participates in its Scramble for Students golf outing, another major fundraiser for the LEF. "As a credit union, its up to us to make sure our schools stay strong, innovative, and competitive," said UFCU President/CEO Gary Easterling. "LEF gives us the opportunity to make an impact while supporting greater learning for everyone."
Since its inception in 1997, the LEF has raised more than $2 million for the Lakeshore Public Schools. Anderson explained that donors like UFCU drive the foundations mission. "Success comes from collaboration with our local business partners, like United Federal Credit Union, as well as individual donors." Funds raised stay local and concentrate on four areas of investment: academics, arts, technology, and community enrichment.
"The values of the Lakeshore Excellence Foundation match ours as a credit union," concluded Easterling. "Having access to a superior education is key, and at UFCU, we want to make sure all of our kids have the best chance possible."
With 22 offices nationwide, UFCU serves communities, schools, and teachers throughout the U.S. It currently partners with several school districts to fund local initiatives, increasing opportunities for children everywhere.
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About UFCU
United Federal Credit Union has served its Members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future. UFCU consists of more than 120,000 Member/owners worldwide, and manages assets in excess of $1.57 billion. Its corporate offices and main branch are located in St. Joseph, Mich., with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Ohio. UFCU has been named the
Michigan Credit Union League Outstanding Credit Union of the Year 2013. UFCU has also been named
the National Federal Credit Union of the Year 2013 by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions.
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About Lakeshore Excellence Foundation
Established in 1997, the LEF is a nonprofit organization staffed wholly by volunteers. Its mission is to acquire and distribute resources that support various Lakeshore Public School programs and projects aimed at enhancing, enriching, or supplementing learning opportunities for students, staff, and community. Teachers, students, and staff can apply for grants and scholarships every fall. To learn more, visit
http://www.lefonline.org/index.html,
