The Florida Department of Education’s Commissioner's Business Recognition Award (CBRA) is a way to recognize business partners that represent the true essence of a partner in education. The 2006-2007 CBRA winners have shown commitment, creativity and innovation in bringing about positive change to our school districts.

BrightStar Credit Union has been awarded the 20th Annual Commissioner’s Business Recognition Award for Broward County for their support of Broward County Public Schools.

The award was presented by the Florida Department of Education during the Florida Partners in Education Conference on April 19 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

BrightStar Credit Union is involved in multiple partnerships with Broward County Public Schools. Middle school students in 44 schools participate in a series of seven Colonial Williamsburg Electronic Fieldtrips. The program allows schools to have as many participating classes as they would like, and it gives the school lifetime taping rights to the video so that they may build their own American History video library. BrightStar Credit Union also provides instructional support in more traditional areas, offering NEFE (National Endowment for Financial Education), High School Financial Planning program materials and financial literacy seminars for interested teachers, and they participate in school Career Days and are judges at scholastic competitions.

“This award is extra special to us at the Credit Union because Broward Schools represents our history—our roots,” said BrightStar CU President, Raffael Crockett. “We love Broward Schools, and this is a great way to celebrate our 60 year relationship with the District and the community.”

BrightStar CU helps Broward Schools recognize excellence in school administrators, teachers, students, mentors and volunteers. The Credit Union provides financial and in-kind support for all of the District’s recognition activities, as well as Clueless on Las Olas, presented by Partners in Education, and the District’s Quality Awards. It also assists the Broward Education Foundation attain its goals of providing resources for students and teachers—including support for IMPACT II teacher grants, BRACE scholarships and the end of the year School Employee Appreciation event.

BrightStar CU provides instructional support as well, by offering National Endowment for Financial Education High School Financial Planning Program materials and financial literacy seminars for both students and faculty. In addition, the Credit Union partners with several schools throughout the District, participates in about 20 career days per year, and holds an annual International Credit Union Week Art Contest with cash prizes going to winning entries and their schools. BrightStar CU includes articles about Broward County Public Schools in it’s member newsletter, and also maintains special sections for teachers and students on its website, www.bscu.org.