EECU Reaches $2 Million Milestone in Student Grant Awards
Credit union celebrates more than two decades of helping members achieve their educational goals
July 16, 2026
Educational Employees Credit Union
Our purpose is to achieve unrivaled member satisfaction by understanding our members' financial needs and providing quality financial products and services.
FRESNO, Calif. (July 16, 2026) – Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU) announced today that it has reached $2 million in student grant awards, marking a major milestone in the credit union’s long-standing commitment to making higher education more accessible for its members.
Pictured: Linda Herrera, a
two-time recipient of an EECU Student Grant, attends the University of
California, Santa Barbara. Herrera is one of many students who have benefited
from EECU’s Student Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to help
members pursue higher education.
Administered annually since
2003, the EECU Student Grant Program helps offset the cost of tuition, books,
and other education-related expenses. The program is open to members pursuing
post-high school education at community colleges, universities, vocational schools,
or professional training programs nationwide.
“Reaching $2 million in student
grant awards is an incredible milestone because it represents more than two
decades of investing in members and their futures,” said Elizabeth J. Dooley,
EECU president and CEO. “Education changes lives and we’re proud to help remove
financial barriers so our members can focus on achieving their goals.”
This year, EECU awarded
$100,000 in grants to 50 members pursuing careers in education, healthcare,
engineering, business, and skilled trades across the country.
Among this year’s recipients is
Linda Herrera of Visalia, a two-time EECU Student Grant recipient pursuing a
degree in environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
She says the grant has allowed her to spend more time participating in hands-on
learning and volunteer opportunities, instead of worrying about educational
expenses.
“Receiving the EECU grant has
also boosted my confidence and motivation,” Herrera said. “It feels encouraging
to know that others believe in my potential and are willing to invest in my
future.”
As EECU celebrates this
milestone, the credit union remains committed to helping future generations of
members pursue higher education with confidence. Applications for the 2027 EECU
Student Grant Program will open in October 2026, with deadlines typically in
early December. Learn more about the program at myEECU.org.
EECU serves 12 Central California and Central Coast
counties and has 23 branches and more than 403,000 members. Since 1934, EECU
has provided affordable financial products and services to meet its members’
saving, borrowing, and investing needs. EECU is very active in the communities
it serves, proudly supporting numerous programs, activities and events that
enrich the community experience, and providing free financial wellness
education to people of all ages.