HERNDON, Va.– The NWFCU Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Northwest Federal Credit Union, celebrated #GivingTuesday with a week of giving back to the community and a $10,000 donation to Sterling Middle School in support of the school's AVID Program.
The funds donated will be used to support the NWFCU Foundation's new education initiative, titled Aspire Higher. The donation will provide 55 middle school students with opportunities to visit colleges and universities and to learn first-hand the importance of attaining higher education. Students will meet with college professors, deans and the provost, in addition to taking a college campus tour, and participating in a Q&A with members of the Financial Aid Office.
“It was wonderful to see our #GivingTuesday donation immediately paid forward to impact the lives of Sterling Middle School students.” said Northwest Federal's president and CEO and the Chair of the NWFCU Foundation, Jeff Bentley. “I am excited for the launch of the Aspire Higher program to further support children within our community.”
At right: Alexzandra Shade, Executive Director of NWFCU Foundation, Raji Ganguli, co-instructor for Sterling Middle School AVID program, Kimberly Greer, Director of Marketing Odin, Feldman, Pittleman, P.C., Jeff Bentley, Northwest Federal's President and CEO and the Chair of the NWFCU Foundation, Agustin Martinez, Principal of Sterling Middle School and Nancy Latourrette, co-instructor for AVID program at Sterling Middle School.)
“The NWFCU Foundation is committed to equipping schools and teachers with the resources necessary to help students succeed on their path to attaining higher education and career success.” said Alexzandra Shade, Executive Director of NWFCU Foundation. “The launch of the Aspire Higher education initiative at Sterling Middle School will provide students who are typically underrepresented and often the first in their families to attend college, with multiple opportunities to visit various institutions of higher learning that would not otherwise be afforded to them. This initiative is made possible through our partnerships with Northern Virginia Community College Loudoun campus and Odin, Feldman, Pittleman, P.C.”
Separately, Northwest FCU was presented with the Stars Over Dulles Award for Financial Leader by the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes businesses in the Dulles area that are industry and community leaders, delivering exceptional service and value to customers or members, and offering a unique approach to the financial industry.
“I am honored to accept this award on behalf of Northwest Federal Credit Union. The Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce has been an excellent partner in the community and I look forward to our continued partnership,” said Bentley.
“Jeff Bentley and his team at Northwest Federal routinely go above and beyond expectations when serving their members and the local community,” said John Boylan, president & CEO of Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Northwest Federal is always at the leading edge of new technology and service. Their many locations throughout our Dulles Region and the DC Metro area are a reflection of their promise to help others. When we put out the call for help, Northwest Federal is always the first to respond. Therefore, while we recognized them for financial leadership they are also ‘first responders’ when helping in the community.”
Below, Jeff Bentley, president & CEO of Northwest Federal Credit Union, and James Lawson, chair of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce.