How California Credit Union Supports Educators, Students and Communities

Learn how our School & Community Development team support educators, students and schools throughout Southern California.

From financial literacy workshops and scholarship presentations to Teacher Grant surprises, school events and community partnerships, Mariam Nasiry, AVP, School & Community Development, and Shadi Poustchi, Sr. School & Community Development, serve as key ambassadors for California Credit Union across the communities they support. As part of California Credit Union’s longstanding commitment to students and educators, the communities we serve and member-first service, we sat down with both Mariam and Shadi for an inside look at how relationship-building, local partnerships and support for educators, students and families help set us apart from traditional big banks and other credit unions.

California Credit Union: To kick things off, can you both share a bit about what your day-to-day roles look like in School & Community Development? You are often the primary touchpoints for our school and community partners - what does it mean to be the boots-on-the-ground representation for California Credit Union?

Shadi: Every day is different, and that’s one of the things I love most about this role. One day I may be presenting financial literacy workshops to students, teachers or military members, and the next I may be attending a school event, recognizing a scholarship recipient, meeting with district leaders or supporting a community partner.

Being boots on the ground means I have the privilege of building genuine relationships with the people we serve. I get to listen to educators, administrators, families and community leaders to understand their needs and find meaningful ways California Credit Union can support them. I also see myself as a bridge between our organization and the communities we serve. It’s not about showing up for one event, but instead being present, building trust and demonstrating that we’re invested in their success for the long term.

Mariam: No two days are not exactly alike, which is one of the things I also enjoy the most about my role!

On any given day, I may be meeting with a Superintendent, school administrators on local needs or coordinating, organizing professional development meeting opportunities for teachers and school employees or hosting financial literacy and community events. Being the “boots on the ground” means serving as the face of California Credit Union in the communities we support, and we are often the direct connection between the credit union and the education communities.

California Credit Union: Honoring our 90+-year roots in education, we have awarded over 280 Teacher Grants to fund innovative classroom initiatives across the Los Angeles and San Diego regions (you can watch a recent presentation to an educator here!). From STEM-based water rocket experiments to ASL learning programs and aerial drone workshops, what are some of your favorite projects we’ve supported, and how do these grants directly impact educators and their students?

Shadi: One of the most inspiring parts of my job is seeing the creativity and passion educators bring to their classrooms. I’ve been amazed by projects ranging from STEM and robotics programs to hands on science experiments, drone technology workshops, financial literacy initiatives and programs that support language development and inclusive learning environments in the diverse communities we serve.

What makes these grants so impactful is that they allow teachers to bring ideas to life that may not otherwise fit within a school’s budget. The grants empower educators to think creatively and provide students with experiences that spark curiosity, confidence and engagement. When you see students excited about learning because of a project their teacher was able to implement, you realize these grants are funding their investments in future opportunities and lifelong learning.

Mariam: There have been so many incredible grants that I have had the privilege to present through our California Credit Union Foundation. Some of my favorite grants are the projects that focus on student mental health and wellness, including wellness center modifications and a resource center for teens. I have also had the opportunity to present biology/anatomy grants where students dissect actual animal anatomy and write a detailed scientific essay. Whether it’s a new science experiment, a social emotional wellness grant or an eco-system garden for elementary students, these grants create experiences that extend far beyond a single school year. And at the end of the day, the goal is to help educators bring their innovative ideas to life. By providing funding and support, we are helping them create an engaging learning environment for their students, and that’s what makes this program so rewarding for me.

California Credit Union: California Credit Union and North Island Credit Union have been proud supporters of our education, military and local communities for nearly a century. In your roles, how have you seen this deep, historic commitment separate us from traditional big banks or other credit unions?

Mariam: In my role, I have witnessed firsthand how this long-standing commitment differentiates us from traditional banks and other credit unions. Our work efforts are not transactional. We don’t show up for a one-time sponsorship or a marketing opportunity. We build sustained, consistent relationships with schools, educators, military families, nonprofit partners and community leaders. This consistency not only builds trust but credibility as well.

What ultimately separates us from banks and other credit unions is that our mission is rooted in people and the communities we serve. Our members see that we are not only their credit union, but we are also part of their community. To me that’s what makes our historic commitment powerful - its not just part of our story but something we continue to live out every day.

California Credit Union: Over the past five years, our credit union has invested more than $4.2 million back into our local communities. Can you speak to some of the specific organizations you’ve worked with, and how this investment helps our local communities while also strengthening our business?

Shadi: I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside school districts, educational foundations, military organizations, chambers of commerce, nonprofit groups and community based organizations throughout Southern California. 

What I’ve seen firsthand is that when we invest in our communities, everyone benefits. Scholarships help students pursue higher education. Teacher Grants support innovative learning experiences. Financial literacy programs give families tools to make informed financial decisions. Community partnerships help address local needs and strengthen neighborhoods.

These investments create meaningful connections and demonstrate that we’re committed to being a true community partner. In turn, people see us as a trusted financial institution that genuinely cares about their success, and that trust is invaluable.

California Credit Union: Our partnerships with educational bodies like the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), and San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) run incredibly deep. What are some ways we support the educators and employees of these organizations?

Mariam: I maintain a strong partnership with Los Angeles Unified School District, and one of the most meaningful aspects of that relationship is the many ways we support educators, administrators and employees across the district. We support various professional development opportunities across the district from new teacher meetings, A-G counselor meetings, teacher growth and induction, Teacher of the Year, Rookie of the Year, New Principal Academy, Principal Meetings, Micro-Credentialing Meeting, Nurses Professional Development Meetings and Administrative Credentialing Programs within LAUSD.

In addition to educator focused meetings, we also support other key employee groups including Transportation Division, New Employee Orientations, Personal Commission, Classified employee divisions and Food Services. In addition to our strong partnership with LAUSD, we also work very closely with The Board of Education and help support or sponsor various initiatives directly from the Board Members. This includes partnering on projects such as Student Advisory Council meetings, Town Hall Meeting, Resource Fairs led by the Board office and beautifications across school campuses.

Shadi: Our support goes far beyond banking services. We partner with schools and educational organizations through financial literacy workshops, Teacher Grants, scholarship programs, employee appreciation events, professional development opportunities, sponsorships and community engagement initiatives.

We also spend a great deal of time listening to educators and school employees so we can understand the challenges they face. By maintaining strong relationships with districts and educational leaders, we’re able to provide meaningful support that aligns with their goals and helps them serve students more effectively.

California Credit Union: We also provide specialized products and services tailored directly for school employees, including Educator Checking, Educator Summer Savings and Educator Loans. How are these financial tools uniquely designed with school schedules and employees in mind, and what feedback have you received from local educators on how much these programs help them?

Shadi: Educators have unique financial rhythms that don’t always align with traditional banking products. Programs like Educator Checking, Educator Summer Savings and educator-focused lending solutions recognize those realities and are designed to provide flexibility and peace of mind throughout the year.

The feedback I often hear from educators is appreciation.  Teaching is a profession driven by service, and educators want financial partners who understand their needs. These products help reduce financial stress and provide practical solutions that fit their schedules and lifestyles, allowing them to focus on what matters most their students.

Mariam: These products are well designed for educators and school employees. These members often have unique budgeting needs that align with the school calendar. For example, some employees do not get paid over the summer, where other employees are now on a 12-month pay system. The educator products are built and designed to give our members solutions that actually work for their day-to-day life finances.

Our Educator Checking account gives them the day to day banking options including online banking, bill pay, Zelle and E-statements. Our Educator Summer Savings is especially an amazing product for school employees in that we offer them a high yield savings rate to help them plan their expenses for the summer and throughout the school year. This is one of our best accounts for school employees and many of our members take advantage of this product. Our Educator loans provide them access to responsible borrowing needs for their classroom or school year needs.

Educators have responded very positively to these products and services, especially Educator Summer Savings. They value the high-yield rate and the ability to save to help cover expenses. Ultimately, it’s about supporting educators who support our students!

California Credit Union: Since launching our annual College Scholarship Program in 2005, we have provided over $455,000 in scholarships to local students. From your vantage point, how do these scholarships change the trajectory for local families, and what does it feel like to deliver that life-changing news to a student?

Mariam: From my perspective, the College Scholarship Program truly changes a student’s trajectory. It helps make college more attainable, reduce some of the financial pressure on families and in many cases allow students to focus on learning versus how they’re going to cover expenses. What makes the program meaningful is that the scholarship sends a message that California Credit Union believes in you and is a part of your community. It shows the students that their hard work, leadership and goals for college matter.

And personally, being able to present the College Scholarship during an awards ceremony or in the classroom is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. You see genuine excitement and gratitude not only from the students but their families as well. These are the moments that remind you that California Credit Union is more than about transactions, its about helping students move forward in meaningful ways.

Shadi: Scholarships can be truly life changing. For many families, every dollar matters when it comes to pursuing higher education. Receiving a scholarship can ease financial burdens, reduce student debt and open doors that may have seemed out of reach.

Personally, one of the most rewarding moments in my role is seeing the reaction from students and their families when they learn they’ve been selected. You see pride, relief, excitement and hope all at once. It’s a reminder that education has the power to transform lives, and it’s incredibly meaningful to play even a small role in helping students achieve their goals.

California Credit Union: As you look ahead to the rest of the year, what upcoming initiatives are you most excited about?

Shadi: I’m excited about continuing to expand our impact through financial literacy education, Teacher Grants, scholarship programs and deeper community partnerships. There is growing demand for financial education among students, educators, military families and community organizations, and I believe we have a tremendous opportunity to help people build confidence and achieve their financial goals.

I’m also excited about strengthening existing relationships while creating new partnerships throughout the communities we serve. Every new connection represents an opportunity to make a positive difference, and that’s what makes this work so rewarding. At the end of the day, our mission is about people, and I’m proud to be part of an organization that remains committed to helping communities thrive.