First Tech Federal Credit Union Awards Over $800,000 in Education Grants to 48 West Coast Nonprofits
Helping underserved communities build the infrastructure and resources to think creatively, problem-solve and innovate.
First Tech Federal Credit Union contributed more than $800,000 to support education initiatives in its local communities, impacting 48 nonprofit organizations and $60,000 in scholarships to 12 First Tech member students. Aligning with First Tech's people-before-profits philosophy, the awarded organizations facilitate equitable access to science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), early childhood literacy, and financial education.
Charitable giving remains essential as nonprofits continue to operate through challenging economic circumstances. For this year's grant cycle, First Tech prioritized allocating funds to nonprofit partners who eliminate educational and learning gaps for BIPOC students, girls, and individuals within low-income communities. The education grants encompass a vast spectrum of opportunities, and this diverse approach highlights the importance of addressing multifaceted educational needs to nurture well rounded individuals and build a robust, inclusive society.
"In today’s rapidly changing environment, it’s more important than ever that we support education so that students in our communities can succeed today and lead tomorrow. First Tech is dedicated to supporting our education partners and the incredible work they do for underserved students in the communities they serve," said Monique Little, First Tech's Chief People and Administrative Officer. "It’s a privilege to partner with and provide grants to these organizations so they can continue implementing programs that positively enhance student’s educational and personal development."
First Tech's education grant program supports organizations focused on helping underserved communities build the infrastructure and resources to think creatively, problem-solve and innovate. Education grants are awarded to nonprofits in California, Oregon, and Washington that are working to extend access to academic programs, career opportunities, and professional networks in STEM, literacy, and financial education.
Tech education became a focal point for this year's grant cycle, as First Tech aimed to combat growing academic inequities. First Tech increased its contributions to the nonprofit Geeking Out Kids of Color (GOKiC), which helps empower kids of color to explore tech and unlock their creativity one class at a time. Pedro Ciriano, Executive Director at GOKiC, shared, “The support from First Tech will bolster our efforts to provide decolonized tech education, aligning perfectly with our mission to liberate and uplift BIPOC youth. These funds will enable us to enhance our educational offerings and expand our reach, ensuring that more young people have the tools and support necessary to become transformative leaders in their communities and beyond.”
California First Tech Education Grant Partners:
First Tech awarded $190,500 to California community organizations; California First Tech Education Grant partners include:
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SILICON VALLEY, $15,000
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER SACRAMENTO, $7,500
EAST PALO ALTO KIDS FOUNDATION, $10,000
FAMILY GIVING TREE, $20,000
GIRLS WHO CODE, $8,000
GREENE SCHOLARS, $ 5,000
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, $10,000
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SACRAMENTO INC, $10,000
PLACER ADVANCED ROBOTICS AND TECHNOLOGY, $5,000
PROJECT INVENT, $7,500
RESOURCE AREA FOR TEACHING, $7,500
SILICON VALLEY EDUCATION FOUNDATION, $60,000
TANDEM, PARTNERS IN EARLY LEARNING, $5,000
THE TECH INTERACTIVE, $20,000
Oregon First Tech Education Grant Partners:
In Oregon, First Tech designated $490,000 to community organizations; Oregon First Tech Education Grant partners include:
ADELANTE MUJEREs, $20,000
BEAVERTON EDUCATION FOUNDATION, $40,000
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF PORTLAND METROPOLITAN AREA, $7,500
CAMP ELSO INCORPORATED, $10,000
CENTRO CULTURAL DE WASHINGTON COUNTY, $15,000
FINANCIAL BEGINNINGS (OR, CA, WA), $35,000
FREE GEEK, $40,000
FRIENDS OF SATURDAY ACADEMY, $10,000
GIRL SCOUTS OF OREGON AND SW WASHINGTON, $10,000
GIRLS INC. OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, $40,000
HILLSBORO SCHOOLS FOUNDATION, $30,000
IMPACT NW, $7,500
IN4ALL, $20,000
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF OREGON AND SW WASHINGTON INC, $15,000
LATINO NETWORK, $10,000
OREGON MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY (OMSI), $50,000
OREGON ROBOTICS TOURNAMENT & OUTREACH PROGRAM, $25,000
OREGON ZOO FOUNDATION, $10,000
PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION – OREGON MESA, $10,000
PROJECT LEDO, $5,000
SCHOOLHOUSE SUPPLIES INC, $20,000
SMART READING, $55,000
THE SHADOW PROJECT, $5,000
Washington First Tech Education Grant Partners:
First Tech granted $121,500 in Washington to support community organizations; Washington First Tech Education Grant partners include:
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY SERVICES, $5,000
FIRST WASHINGTON, $20,000
GEEKING OUT KIDS OF COLOR, $7,500
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF WASHINGTON, $10,000
PACIFIC SCIENCE CENTER FOUNDATION, $10,000
PAGE AHEAD CHILDRENS LITERACY PRGM, $16,500
TECHNOLOGY ACCESS FOUNDATION, $7,500
TREEHOUSE, $10,000
WASHINGTON ALLIANCE FOR BETTER SCHOOLS, $15,000
WASHINGTON STEM, $20,000
Other Geographies
EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, $10,000