Brightstar Credit Union Named 2006 Broward County Public Schools District Partner Of The Year

Sunrise, FL – May 1, 2006 – BrightStar Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in South Florida with more than 37,000 members, has been selected as the 2006 District Partner of the Year by Broward County Public Schools at their annual Partnership, Volunteer and Mentor recognition event held at the Broward County Convention Center.

“This award is extra special to us because Broward Schools represent our history-our roots,” said Raffael Crockett, President of BrightStar Credit Union. “We love Broward Schools and this is a great way to celebrate our 60 year relationship with the district and the community.” Founded originally as Broward Teachers Credit Union, BrightStar Credit Union has strong ties to Broward County Schools, their teachers and students.

"Broward County Public Schools is proud to recognize BrightStar Credit Union as a 2006 Partner of the Year. Their dedication to our faculty, students and their families is invaluable," said Dr. Frank Till, Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools.  

BrightStar Credit Union is involved in numerous partnerships with Broward County Public Schools. Middle school students in 44 schools participated in a series of seven Colonial Williamsburg Electronic Field trips funded by the Credit Union. The program brings history alive for thousands of students and allows schools to have as many participating classes as they would like. It also gives the school lifetime taping rights to video so they can build their own American History library.

Helping Broward Schools recognize excellence in school administrators, teachers, students, mentors and volunteers is BrightStar Credit Union’s mission. 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. BrightStar Credit Union 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.

Working with Broward Schools, BrightStar Credit Union 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, BrightStar Credit Union partners with several schools throughout the District, participates in about 20 career days per year, and hold an annual International Credit Union Week Art Contest with cash prizes going to winning entries and their schools. They also include articles about Broward County Public Schools in their member newsletter and maintain special sections for teachers and students on its Web site.

BrightStar Credit Union is a non-profit, member-owned cooperative.  With a total of six branch locations in Broward County, BrightStar Credit Union offers a variety of financial services including checking and savings accounts, personal, home equity and mortgage loans, investments and insurance. For more information, visit www.bscu.org.  

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