Virginia Credit Union Supports, Sponsors Local Career Exploration Events for Middle and High School Students

Youth education initiatives are a core focus of Virginia Credit Union's (VACU) community engagement efforts, and the credit union was proud to participate in two recent events showcasing career opportunities for Richmond-area middle- and high-school students.

As part of ChamberRVA/Junior Achievement's Mission Tomorrow event, VACU joined 100 area businesses this week to educate 12,000 eighth-grade students about career opportunities and showcase Central Virginia's companies and industries. Thirty-five VACU staff members aided event organizers with logistics or participated as exhibitors at Mission Tomorrow. VACU also provided $15,000 in financial support for the event as a Platinum-level sponsor.

Mission Tomorrow offers students from all Richmond-area school divisions the chance to learn more about career opportunities in high-demand industries as they prepare to enter high school, including the coursework and training necessary to pursue careers in specific fields. Learn more here.

"At VACU, we recognize the importance of supporting the success of our youth, so Mission Tomorrow is a valued and valuable partnership because it empowers and motivates young people to begin career planning and explore career interests confidently," says VACU Senior Vice President for Financial Education Cherry Dale. "It's about helping these middle schoolers develop purpose and a sense of direction as they think about high school and beyond."

Fourteen VACU staffers, including members of the credit union's enterprise data team, volunteered recently at the Thinking Big event hosted by the Richmond-based nonprofit Girls impacting Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics, Inc. GiSTEM prepares young people, especially young women, with the skills necessary to pursue careers in STEM-based fields.

"As a GiSTEM Board member and an employee at VACU, I'm proud to be part of two organizations committed to preparing young adults for life after high school," says VACU Product Specialist for Cards and Payments Saqueya Moore, who helped spearhead the credit union's involvement in Thinking Big. "We need programs like Thinking Big that deliver opportunities to equip diverse talent, especially young women, with the skills needed to excel in the STEM fields. Our greatest hope is that the exposure and experience offered by these career exploration programs sets a student on a path to a brighter future."

The half-day Thinking Big event reached 300 high school students from Richmond and Petersburg public schools, with VACU volunteers serving as group leaders and helping with logistics throughout the day. VACU also provided financial support for the event. Learn more here.

"We know there is a growing need for workers in the STEM fields, and we appreciate the opportunity to support girls and women pursuing opportunities in those fields. We also know how important a STEM- educated workforce is in our own industry, with our focus on problem-solving, analytical skills, and innovation," says VACU Senior Vice President of Data Analytics Lee Brooks. "Programs like Thinking Big allow young people to explore STEM-based careers, gain skills, network, and grow their confidence."

About Virginia Credit Union
A financial cooperative serving almost 500,000 members, Virginia Credit Union and its Member One Division offer a variety of affordable banking services, loans, mortgages, and free financial education resources, with a focus on helping people be more confident with their finances. Virginia Credit Union and its Member One Division are equal housing opportunity lenders and are federally insured by the NCUA.