As parents, we look for a strong community base as we make important decisions for our child’s education and upbringing. Being part of a PTA is a great way to find support during the busy, fast-paced school year.
However, people’s approach to volunteering, membership and civic engagement has shifted. That’s when creative thinking and reaching out to community partners can help.
PTAs in the Mountain Region of the United States—Utah, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona—have partnered with Mountain America Credit Union to reach families in their community, increase involvement, and provide scholarship and grant opportunities for their schools. And PTA members nationwide are eligible to join Mountain America Credit Union and receive cash incentives—for them and their PTA— when they open an account.
Mountain America also offers annual grants up to $1,500 to teachers and students in K-12 classrooms who are members of Mountain America and their local PTA. It also provides scholarships, wellness activities and financial literacy.
The Path to Partnership
PTAs have leveraged this community collaboration to support their students, families, teachers and school. Utah PTA began a relationship with the credit union for teacher and administrator recognition. The alliance grew to include volunteer and PTA program rewards.
“Mountain America understands that education is essential. It takes everyone to make a difference in the lives of children,” said Dawn Davies, past Utah PTA president (2015–2017). “Mountain America’s support helps us recognize educators, administrators and teachers at district and state levels of education. With increased support this year, we can also recognize those who volunteer their time in the schools and PTAs.”
Mind on Membership
Idaho PTA has seen substantial growth, thanks to a campaign that allowed community members to join their PTA when they opened an account at Mountain America.
“Membership has increased annually since we started working with Mountain America, adding nearly 4,000 new members this past year,” said Lesli Schei, Idaho PTA president. “These numbers are important. Legislators and education policymakers tend to listen to Idaho PTA’s concerns because we represent many Idahoans.”
Idaho PTA’s name recognition is also increasing, according to Schei, due to potential credit union members learning that they can also benefit from PTA membership. “The more people who know about Idaho PTA, the better, said Schei. This has been a very beneficial partnership for us and we hope it continues for many years to come.”
Beyond the Bank
Kimberly Boettcher presents a financial literacy workshop for Mountain America Credit Union.
In addition to increased awareness, Mountain America has also provided other valued services.
“Mountain America representatives have taught financial literacy at several of our events and distributed programs that Idaho PTA members can share to help children learn about finances. The $100 incentive on new PTA accounts is an incredible resource for schools. For some small schools, $100 can go a long way in helping students,” stated Schei.
Nevada’s Battle Born PTA began working with Mountain America in January 2015. According to Kim Leverett, Battle Born PTA president, over 3,500 members have joined since then, creating the largest and strongest PTA in Nevada.
“Because of Mountain America’s support, Battle Born PTA has given $6,000 in scholarships to deserving students in two years, and we expect to give more next year. We are excited to offer both traditional and non-traditional scholarships, such as $1,000 that was recently awarded to a special education student transitioning into college,” said Leverett. “These enhancements would not have been possible without Mountain America’s support.”
Innovative Support
As a sponsor of New Mexico PTA for the past three years, Mountain America provides financial planning workshops at PTA meetings as well as financial education for children. Mountain America also publishes financial planning articles in the New Mexico PTA newsletter and provides information about products and services through social media.
Through this relationship, Mountain America has increased its involvement with other organizations, such as the New Mexico Out of School Time Network— presenting conference workshops and speaking with after-school program providers and staff.
“At the end of the day, the financial support is very much appreciated, but it is the willingness to communicate and discuss ways to strengthen the outreach of both Mountain America and New Mexico PTA that provides the foundation for success. New Mexico PTA is fortunate to work alongside Mountain America to help ensure student success,” said Renata Witte, past New Mexico PTA president (2015–2017).
With branch locations in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona, and a nationwide shared branching network, Mountain America Credit Union seeks to guide its members on the right path to help them identify and achieve their financial dreams. As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution, Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice.
For more information about benefits available to PTA members through Mountain America Credit Union, visit MACU.com/PTA or watch the video below.
Mountain America Credit Union is a Proud National PTA Sponsor offering unique benefits both to individual PTA members and to PTA units. National PTA does not endorse any commercial entity, product, or service. No endorsement of Mountain America Credit Union is implied.
