The California State University (CSU) system featured the California credit union movement in a recent article, spotlighting the establishment of a permanent $1 million endowment for the Cal State DC Scholars program.

The article highlights how nearly 60 credit unions and industry partners united to break down financial barriers for aspiring student leaders across CSU’s 22 campuses. This new endowment provides funding to offset the high cost of living, housing, and tuition in Washington, D.C.

The featured piece also spotlights the program’s immediate impact, celebrating the first four scholarship recipients for fall 2026:

• Lisette Arroyo from Cal State East Bay will intern with Representative Lateefah Simon.
• Angel Diaz from Sacramento State will intern with Representative Jay Obernolte.
• Thomas Dull from San Diego State will intern with Representative Jim Costa.
• Marco Romero Ramirez from San Diego State will intern with Representative Lou Correa.

Cal State DC Scholars Director Kathryn Buechel praised the credit union movement’s commitment, noting that the $1 million gift permanently ensures financial constraints do not prevent talented students from pursuing life-changing public policy careers.

Over time, the endowment will fund up to 12 scholarships annually, building a lasting legacy of leadership and advocacy in the nation’s capital.

To read the full article, click here.