Ann Arbor, Mich. (October 26, 2021) – The University of Michigan Credit Union, UMCU, recently awarded two University of Michigan student organizations with monetary donations to their respective charities through its “UMCU Helps Your Student Org Give Back” campaign.

The campaign encouraged student organizations at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor to promote non-profit charities they support. Out of all the submissions, two student organizations were chosen to submit a video about their organization, their charity, and what the donation would accomplish. The videos were shared on UMCU’s digital and social channels for the public to watch, cast their vote, and share.  

For one week, voting was open to the public to select the student organization whose charity should be awarded the grand prize of $2,500 and free monthly meeting space at a UMCU location. Out of the two organizations: Opportunities to Educate Children, OEC, and Michigan Caregivers and Student Parents, MCaSP, Opportunities to Educate Children came in first with the most votes.

Opportunities to Educate Children was awarded $2,500 and free monthly meeting space at a UMCU location. 

OEC coordinates the placement of tutors and mentors from the University of Michigan in various local organizations to promote educational development in the Washtenaw community. Their charity, Peace Neighborhood Center, promotes education, self-sufficiency, health, and positive community involvement by providing programs for children, families, and individuals affected by social and economic difficulties.

"Donating the prize money from the ‘UMCU Helps Your Student Org Give Back’ campaign is an incredible opportunity for Opportunities to Educate Children to give back to Peace Neighborhood Center after years of their support. In addition to training our tutors to become optimal educators, Peace Neighborhood Center plays a vital role in the success and growth of the Washtenaw community. We are thrilled to contribute to such a versatile organization and continue to foster our role in promoting educational access in our community,” stated Alex Walkon, Opportunities to Educate Children Executive Director.

Emphasizing the donation, Bonnie Billups, Jr., Executive Director of Peace Neighborhood Center continued, “This donation will support Peace Neighborhood Center’s after-school programming, which provides 75 youth daily with a nutritious meal, one-one-one tutoring, and enrichment activities during the school year. For our high school students, this programming also includes guidance for college and financial aid applications.”

The second prize went to Michigan Caregivers and Student Parents. MCaSP funds high-needs student-parents’ childcare costs on campus at the University of Michigan. UMCU’s donation will support student-parents and children find accessible childcare through small local daycare businesses.

“‘UMCU Helps Your Student Org Give Back’ is one of the many ways UMCU strives to encourage our members, university partners, and like-minded organizations to join together to give back by supporting our community through public engagement. We are proud to contribute to such worthy charities and organizations,” said Julie Wigley, UMCU’s Vice President of Brand and Community Development.

About the University of Michigan Credit Union

The University of Michigan Credit Union is a member owned, not-for-profit cooperative. Its purpose is to amaze UMCU members, the community, and its team by working together for shared success.

UMCU is the only credit union headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. When established in 1954, there were 12 members and $9 in assets. Today, UMCU has more than 100,000 members and more than $1 billion in assets, and it continues to grow. With seven branches in Ann Arbor, one in Ypsilanti, a branch in Dearborn and three branches in Flint, UMCU serves the financial needs of the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College and their surrounding communities. For more information, visit UMCU.org or follow UMCU on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.