Industry Recognition Highlights Credit Union’s Investments in Education, Financial Empowerment and Community Well-Being
GLENDALE, Calif., Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — California Credit Union has been honored with the 2026 Social Impact Award by California’s Credit Unions, recognizing its outstanding commitment to strengthening communities and improving members’ lives. The award was presented during the REACH 2026 industry conference, held November 2–5 in Palm Desert, California.
“Making a positive difference in the communities we serve has always been central to who we are as a credit union,” said California Credit Union President/CEO Steve O’Connell. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the dedication of our entire team and the many partners who share our commitment to expanding opportunity and helping individuals and families thrive. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together and look forward to building on that work in the years ahead.”
Over the past five years, California Credit Union has invested more than $4.2 million in community initiatives, nonprofit partnerships and programs supporting underserved populations. A cornerstone of these efforts has been the credit union’s longstanding commitment to education, including $245,000 in teacher grants supporting innovative classroom projects and over $485,000 in college scholarships helping students pursue higher education.
Financial education and empowerment are also central to the credit union’s social impact programs. This year alone, California Credit Union’s financial literacy programs reached more than 54,000 individuals through virtual and in-person learning opportunities, providing practical guidance to help members and community residents make informed financial decisions and build long-term financial stability.
Through its California Credit Union and North Island Credit Union Foundations, along with partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations and community groups, the credit union supports a broad range of initiatives focused on youth development, education, military families and community well-being. These efforts are complemented by employee volunteerism and programs designed to expand access to affordable financial services for individuals and families.
As part of the same awards program, California Credit Union’s SVP and Chief Advocacy Officer Marvel Ford was also honored with the 2026 Advocacy Legacy Award, recognizing her longstanding leadership, service and contributions to advancing the credit union movement.
Presented by California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions, the annual awards program has recognized outstanding leaders, volunteers and organizations for their achievements, service and contributions to the credit union industry for more than 50 years.
About California Credit Union
California Credit Union is a federally chartered credit union founded in 1933 with assets of nearly $5.4 billion, over 200,000 members and 25 retail branches. Named a Forbes Best-In-State Credit Union in 2024 & 2025, California Credit Union membership is available to community members and businesses nationwide. The credit union operates in San Diego and Riverside Counties as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. Federally insured by the NCUA, the credit union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. With a Low Income Designation, California Credit Union offers inclusive products and services to build financial stability in our underserved communities, including a checking account certified as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards. California Federal Credit Union operates as California Credit Union. Visit ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram® or Facebook® @CaliforniaCreditUnion.
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SOURCE California Credit Union
