Developing Future Capitol Hill Leaders
With the help and generosity of nearly 60 credit unions and partners across the state, California’s Credit Unions reached its $1 million endowment goal to support the California State University in DC program — an investment in the next generation of public policy professionals.
By reaching the $1 million mark, this endowment and the California league’s partnership with the CSU program will permanently generate up to 12 scholarships annually to offset the high cost of living for students interning in the nation’s capital. Each valued at $2,500, these scholarships will aid in the development of impactful future leaders on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
“Hitting this $1 million goal is a testament to what we can achieve when the California credit union movement steps up to invest in their communities, students, and the future of Capitol Hill leadership,” said Stephanie Cuevas, senior vice president of federal advocacy for California’s Credit Unions. “We are honored and want to thank every credit union leader and industry partner for helping us successfully reach our goal.”
This week’s achievement was made possible by a surge of support from credit union leaders over the past few weeks. While the initial pledge goal was November 2025, the movement rallied through the winter to close the final $75,000 gap — a landmark moment after a months-long statewide campaign.
The California State University in DC program is more than an internship. For many, it’s the gateway to opportunity, helping develop young college minds and talent into future public policy leaders. In fact, 73 percent of participants are first-generation college students, often coming from modest means. Students who participate in the program receive college credit that counts toward graduation.
“On behalf of the CSU, we thank California’s Credit Unions and their members for their generous support,” said Greg Saks, vice chancellor of external relations and communications for California State University. “Their contributions make it possible for our students to study in Washington, D.C., where they learn to become more engaged and informed citizens who are equipped to lead and serve.”
Credit unions realize the importance of aiding entry-level positions on Capitol Hill while telling the movement’s story. While not every intern becomes a congressional staffer, nearly every current staffer once began their journey as an intern. If credit unions can help these young leaders succeed academically and professionally, it’s just one more example of staying true to their not-for-profit mission to support local members and communities.
The California State University in DC program has already proven its impact. College graduates have ascended to senior advisor roles within the U.S. House of Representatives, Senate, Treasury Department, and the White House.
With its $1 million goal achieved, California’s Credit Unions can now replicate the program’s success across California State University campuses. The scholarships will begin supporting students as early as the next academic year — guaranteeing that as long as there are decisions being made in Washington, D.C, there will be leaders who understand the “people helping people” mission.
“The California State University in DC program is just one way credit unions are addressing financial barriers that prevent talented students from gaining policy experience on Capitol Hill,” Cuevas said. “By offsetting these costs, we are guaranteeing that future legislative staffers and policy advisors begin their careers with a foundational understanding of federal government policy and the credit union difference.”
Thank you to the following credit unions and organizations for sponsoring this program:
- 1st United
- Altura Credit Union
- Arrowhead CU
- Bay Federal CU
- Calcom CU
- California CU
- California’s Credit Unions
- Chaffey CU
- Coast Central Credit Union
- County Schools
- CU SoCal
- Delta Schools
- Desert Valleys
- Eagle Community CU
- EECU
- Farmers Insurance
- Financial Partners
- First City CU
- First Entertainment
- First Tech
- Frontwave CU
- Golden 1
- Inland Valley CU
- Kaiperm CU
- Keypoint
- Kinecta
- La Loma FCU
- LBS Financial
- Logix CU
- Los Angeles Federal Credit Union
- Meriwest CU
- Mission City FCU
- Mission FCU
- Mocse CU
- Monterra CU
- Noble FCU
- Nuvision
- Ocean Air
- Organized Labor CU
- Origence
- Pacific Service
- Parishioners CU
- Patelco
- Premier America
- Redwood CU
- Rize CU
- Rogue CU
- Santa Barbara CU
- SchoolsFirst
- SESLOC
- Star One CU
- Tech CU
- Thinkwise CU
- Travis CU
- UNCLE CU
- Upward CU
- Valley Strong
- Velera
- Ventura County Credit Union