Two Texas CUs Partner To Invest $500K In Education Effort

AUSTIN, Texas–A+ Federal Credit Union and University Federal Credit Union are partnering to invest $500,000 in the Central Texas expansion of RAISE^up Texas, an E3 Alliance education program. RAISE^up Texas is a school-wide approach that uses research-validated tools to help middle school students “learn how to learn.”

RAISE^up Texas, a privately-funded, three-and-a-half-year demonstration effort, has already impacted nearly 13,000 students in six Central Texas school districts. The 2014 Texas Education Agency’s Closing Performance Gaps accountability indicator determined that 75% of RAISE^up Texas demonstration schools, three times the rate of middle schools across the region, qualified for the Closing the Performance Gaps distinction.

“A+FCU is honored to support an education model that helps children of all abilities learn more effectively and achieve academically,” said A+ FCU CEO Kerry Parker. “The improved performance of students that use the RAISE^up Texas program can create a tremendously positive, long-term effect on our community. The financial support we’re providing reflects the values of A+FCU and UFCU, and demonstrates our commitment to education.”

The funding provided by A+FCU and UFCU will allow 16 more Central Texas schools to implement the RAISE^up Texas Strategic Instruction Model. Over the course of the expansion, more than 28,000 students and 1,100 teachers will gain the benefits of the program.

“This unprecedented partnership between two key financial institutions in our region to invest in RAISE^up Texas sends an important message to our community,” remarked Susan Dawson, president and executive director of E3 Alliance. “It says loud and clear: our business community cares for our kids and their success!  And the community will take notice.”