Michigan Educational Credit Union Supports Innovative American History Program at 53 SchoolsCU Plans to Continue Sponsorship for 2007-08 School YearSt. Petersburg, FL, June 4, 2007 – Getting children excited about the fundamental principles of America’s democratic system is the goal. Electronic field trips where actors in period costumes re-enact major events in U.S. Colonial history is the vehicle. Michigan Educational Credit Union, Plymouth, Mich., sponsored award-winning electronic field trips created by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (CWF) for 53 schools in its community for the 2006-2007 school year. The credit union plans to continue this sponsorship for the 2007-08 school year, according to Bob Sandercock, the credit union’s Vice President of Marketing. “The response from teachers and students has been extremely positive. This is an excellent way for students to experience and enjoy American History while simultaneously learning the importance of the founding principles behind our system of government,” he said. These electronic field trips are satellite-delivered, interactive television and Internet events that bring the 18th century to life for more than 1 million students annually in more than 3,500 schools nationwide. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation produces seven monthly field trips during the school year. Each production is supported with dedicated websites, lesson plans, and other materials, including historical background, glossaries, time lines and booklets that help teachers make the best use of the programs. PSCU Financial Services is a corporate sponsor of CWF and provides essential funding needed to produce the historical programs and associated teaching materials each year. More than 169 schools participate in educational field trips thanks to funding from the cooperative and its member-owners. Michigan Educational Credit Union sponsored more schools than any other credit union, according to David J. Serlo, President, PSCU Financial Services. “We are extremely pleased with the programs produced by the Foundation and urge our credit unions to start or expand their sponsorship of this excellent educational programming,” Serlo said. “Since our economic freedoms have helped build the success of each credit union in this country, sponsoring these outstanding educational programs is an ideal way for credit unions to support their local schools and communities.” Member-owner credit unions are encouraged to promote these programs in their local schools and provide monies to fund participation. Each credit union contribution allows for a significant increase in the number of schools that are able to benefit from the teacher and student programs. PSCU Financial Services’ donation of $100,000 helps fund an annual week-long teacher seminar in addition to electronic field trips. The Teacher Institute presents teachers with innovative, proven methods for communicating the important principles of America’s unique history and system of government. The Foundation is a not-for-profit institution that preserves and operates the restored 301-acre Colonial Williamsburg site and produces educational materials related to the founding of the United States as a nation and life in the 18th century. About Michigan Educational Credit UnionMembership in Michigan Educational Credit Union (MECU) is open to employees and retirees (and their families) of schools located in Wayne, Washtenaw, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Jackson counties. The credit union has $490 million in assets and 50,000 members. For more information, please visit www.michedcu.org.About PSCU Financial ServicesAs a non-profit cooperative, PSCU Financial Services supports 1,100 financial institutions and is owned by 500+ member credit unions representing over 11 million cardholder accounts. Its Contact Centers handles more than 12 million inquiries a year.PSCU Financial Services maintains its headquarters and Eastern operations center in St. Petersburg, Florida. The company is also supported by a West Coast operations center based in Phoenix, Arizona and additional call center operation in Detroit, Michigan. Established in 1977, the company provides a broad array of cost-effective, high quality financial services that include credit, debit, ATM, prepaid, bill payment and contact center solutions. PSCU Financial Services uniquely offers its members a full range of processing options, any combination from full service to in-house pass through processing for credit, debit and ATM transactions. As the leader in the credit union industry, the company offers gateway access to national and regional networks. It also provides full function ATM terminal driving services. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.pscufs.com. |
