CLAREMONT, Calif.—Western Credit Union Management School hosted its annual WCMS Innovators Challenge during the school's 66th annual session, bringing together a record 430 students in a daylong competition focused on developing member-centric products and services for credit unions.
The Innovators Challenge, launched in 2021 as the capstone of WCMS' two-week leadership program, asked participants this year to view their credit unions through the eyes of members and create solutions that strengthen service and trust. "Our WCMS leaders developed practical, member-centric solutions designed to protect credit union members and build lasting trust," said Dr. Michael Steinberger, president and dean of WCMS.
Students began the day with classroom instruction before working in teams to develop and refine their proposals. Teams first presented their ideas to innovation coaches and fellow students, with the top entries advancing to the "Frog Tank Finale," where finalists pitched their concepts before the entire student body and a panel of 10 innovation coaches.
WCMS said the event reflects its long-standing focus on preparing credit union leaders to drive innovation and organizational success. School officials said the collaborative challenge equips executives and managers with practical skills they can bring back to their credit unions to better serve members and strengthen the industry.