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