Local leaders from Premier America Credit Union hosted Rep. Luz Rivas (D-CA) for a conversation on the unique role credit unions play in supporting Cal State Northridge students, as well as the broader San Fernando Valley region.
Held at Premier America’s university branch, the meeting was an opportunity for credit union leaders to highlight the credit union difference, as well as a new $1 million initiative designed to support college students seeking to make an impact in the nation’s capital. Irma Gorrocino, legislative advocate for California’s Credit Unions, helped facilitate the meeting and provided valuable context from the credit union perspective.
Rivas listened to how college students at every stage have turned to the “credit union difference” — a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative — for their financial services and lifestyle needs at Premier America. Earnings are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, higher savings yields, and lower or fewer fees, driven by the people-helping-people philosophy and fostered by a strong college campus community.
Another part of the discussion was a recent initiative launched by California’s Credit Unions: a $1 million endowment to support the Cal State University DC Scholars Program. This investment is designed to address the financial barriers faced by students seeking policy experience in Washington, D.C. by offsetting their high cost of living in the nation’s capital. The endowment will create annual scholarships for students to participate in the political talent pipeline regardless of their financial background.
The congresswoman commended the endowment, noting its role in opening doors for local San Fernando Valley students. She shared how her office will host two Washington, D.C. interns from Cal State Northridge this coming spring semester under the initiative. By removing economic hurdles, the endowment is helping students from the San Fernando Valley have a seat at the table where federal policy is shaped.
A big “thank you” goes out to Premier America Credit Union for hosting this productive dialogue!
