Climb Credit Union Shows Support for Porter-Billups Leadership Academy with $50,000 Donation and Student Computers

Climb Credit Union reaffirmed its support for the Porter-Billups Leadership Academy (PBLA) with a generous $50,000 donation at the 2024 PBLA Annual Charity Golf Tournament.

Climb Credit Union's dedication to supporting PBLA goes beyond financial assistance. This year, they generously donated over 50 laptops and a charging cart to benefit the students. These laptops provided essential support to current students during the program and equipped graduating seniors with essential tools for their future. Showing unwavering dedication to volunteerism and utilizing their expertise in financial literacy, Climb Credit Union employees taught three middle school financial education courses during the academy. Additionally, 50 Climb Credit Union volunteers assisted in various classrooms, greeted buses in the morning, passed out breakfast, engaged in sports activities with the students during breaks, and took the time to connect with the students on a personal level.

(Pictured left to right: Emily Boulton, Domingo Lora-Mendoza, Kendra Galloway, Chauncey Billups, Charlie Emanuel, Meagan Cohen, Terry Carter-Davis, Lonnie Porter, and Ricardo Patton.)

In 1996, Regis University Men's Head Basketball Coach Lonnie Porter and his daughter Staci Porter-Bentley established a leadership academy to provide academic and leadership training to students in underserved communities in Denver. In 2006, NBA star Chauncey Billups joined forces with Coach Porter in this effort, establishing the Porter-Billups Leadership Academy. Billups and Porter grew up in inner-city neighborhoods. They credit their success to the people who challenged them at a young age to work hard and get an education. PBLA currently supports over 225 students from grades 4 through 12, boasting a remarkable 99% high school graduation rate, with 88% of graduates continuing on to college.

"The Porter-Billups Leadership Academy is truly exceptional and transformative," said Carrie Langgard, President/CEO of Climb Credit Union and PBLA Associate Board Member. "Coaches Porter and Billups have profoundly impacted the lives of many exceptional young individuals. We are deeply devoted to our communities and proud to champion a program that empowers youth with the skills and confidence they need to thrive."

Climb Credit Union remains dedicated to empowering students and supporting the communities it serves. In collaboration with Arrupe Jesuit High School, a college preparatory school offering students with limited economic resources a premier educational experience, the credit union provides internship opportunities through its Corporate Work-Study program. Furthermore, Climb Credit Union and the Climb Community Foundation contribute to the financial well-being of the community through volunteerism and over $200,000 in sponsorships, donations, and scholarships.