 Mike de Vere Zest AI, a leading provider of AI-powered lending solutions, today announced strong first-quarter momentum, fueled by accelerating adoption of its LuLu AI Lending Intelligence platform and Fraud Detection products as financial institutions modernize decision-making, manage risk, and combat rising delinquencies and persistent fraud.
Q1 2026 Highlights:
“What we’re seeing isn’t a one-time spike–it’s sustained momentum driven by real customer needs,” said Mike de Vere, CEO of Zest AI. “We built our generative AI and fraud detection solutions to solve problems lenders couldn’t address with existing tools, and that’s why adoption is accelerating quarter over quarter. Based on current demand, we expect adoption to grow two to three times over the coming year as AI becomes core to lending operations.” First-of-Its-Kind CUSO Helps Small Credit Unions Adopt AI Lending With a focus on delivering AI to financial institutions of all sizes, Commonwealth Credit Union launched the CU Lending Collective, a first-of-its-kind CUSO powered by Zest AI. By combining proven AI models with built-in compliance and operational support, the Collective enables smaller institutions to compete more effectively, increase approvals, and expand credit access without the typical cost or complexity of adopting new technology. GenAI Adoption By Credit Union Leagues As regulatory and economic conditions grow more complex, lenders need real-time insight into the policies and trends shaping their decisions. Cornerstone League and GoWest Credit Union Association became the first credit union leagues to adopt LuLu, broadening the use of GenAI to support credible, data-backed advocacy and policy recommendations for their members and the communities they serve. Partnership Momentum Expands Zest AI’s Reach Across Lending Zest AI continued to expand its partnerships ecosystem, deepening relationships and integrations across loan origination systems and lending marketplaces, including MeridianLink, Origence, Sync1 Systems, Fiserv, LendAPI, The Savings Group, and Caribou. By embedding into the platforms and workflows lenders rely on, Zest AI delivers AI-powered underwriting, lending intelligence, and fraud detection across the lending lifecycle, helping enable smarter, fairer, and more confident lending decisions. Zest AI has been at the forefront of modernizing lending, helping financial institutions move beyond legacy models that no longer meet the demands of today’s market. With consumer fraud losses rising 27% in 2025 to $15.9 billion, and increasing pressure for faster and more transparent decisions, Zest AI continues to see strong demand for solutions that help lenders expand access to credit responsibly while reducing risk and strengthening trust.
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 "First quarter GDP was in line with expectations, as a surge in business investment offset a sizable drag from trade. Consumption was relatively weak across the quarter, but most of that was concentrated in January when severe winter weather kept consumers home. The PCE index—the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure—rose to its highest level in nearly three years. Economic growth is trending steadily upward as the AI boom is proving to be strong and durable enough to compensate for other areas of weakness, but inflation shows no signs of moderating. Credit unions remain focused on addressing their members’ affordability concerns by offering low-cost financial services."
- America's Credit Unions Chief Economist Curt Long  Anthony Hernandez The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) recently submitted official statements on behalf of credit unions to both the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. Please see each official release attached.
DCUC urged Senate SBC leaders to support the Veterans Member Business Loan Act (VMBLA), noting that veteran-owned businesses generate hundreds of billions in economic activity, and yet veteran entrepreneurs continue to face higher financing gaps and lower approval rates than their nonveteran peers. DCUC explained that the VMBLA would provide a targeted fix by exempting qualifying veteran business loans from the current credit union lending cap, expanding access to capital without compromising safety and soundness. “Expanding responsible access to capital for veterans is both an economic priority and a commitment to those who served,” says Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO, Ret. USAF Colonel. “The Veterans Member Business Loan Act is a practical, bipartisan solution that empowers credit unions to do more for veteran entrepreneurs, local economies, and job creation.” In the letter, DCUC’s Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak explained that many veteran-owned businesses require relatively small amounts of startup capital, often under $50,000, making credit unions particularly well-suited to meet those needs through relationship-based lending. Separately, DCUC submitted an official Statement for the Record to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies during its review of the FY2027 budget request for the Department of Veterans Affairs. DCUC called on lawmakers to fully protect and strengthen VA home loan and Loan Guaranty programs that help veterans purchase, keep, and sustain homeownership. “Veterans have earned access to reliable pathways to homeownership, and Congress must ensure the VA home loan program has the resources and tools to deliver on that promise,” says Hernandez. “Strong funding for these programs means more veterans can buy homes, avoid foreclosure, and build long-term financial stability.” Representing more than 200 defense credit unions serving over 40 million members worldwide, DCUC shared how these institutions work directly with servicemembers, veterans, military families, caregivers, and survivors, providing mortgage lending, financial counseling, and direct access to VA benefits. DCUC’s recommendations to the Subcommittee include:
DCUC also encouraged the VA to explore additional opportunities for credit unions to serve veterans within VA facilities, where appropriate, to improve benefit delivery, financial education, and housing readiness. “Credit unions see firsthand how financial access and housing security go hand in hand,” adds Stverak. “When veterans can safely receive benefits, access trusted guidance, and secure affordable financing, they are better positioned to thrive.” Loyalty Credit Union Goes Live with Authenticated Chat Through Eltropy and Mahalo Integration4/30/2026 Loyalty Credit Union, a seven-branch credit union serving members across the Florida Panhandle, has gone live with authenticated chat powered by an integration between Eltropy and Mahalo, its online banking provider. The integration lets members chat with Loyalty's AI-powered virtual assistant, Lumi, and connect directly with live staff, on both web and mobile, without going through a separate authentication process.
With the Mahalo and Eltropy integration in place, Loyalty Credit Union has extended its chat capabilities to cover both web and mobile. Members can now engage in secure, authenticated conversations that move from the virtual assistant to live staff, without interruption, and without having to re-verify their identity along the way. With the integration in place, members logged into their Mahalo account are already verified when they open a chat session. If a conversation moves to a live team member, the agent picks it up with identity confirmed, and the routing reflects what the member asked about: a mortgage question goes to the lending team, not a general queue. "We're able to launch right into a conversation about the member's immediate need, giving them instant information or assistance," said Jessica Herring, Vice President of Member Experience at Loyalty Credit Union. “And now we can do that on mobile, too." Since going live, average chat session duration has dropped from 4.84 minutes to 2.93 minutes (a 40% reduction) as agents no longer need to walk members through identity verification before getting to the actual question. Incoming chat volume is also running 13.41% above the prior month's pace, with the month still not complete, driven largely by members now reaching Lumi through the mobile app for the first time. The credit union has worked to make sure the human side of the experience holds up. When a member moves from Lumi to a live agent, they may still reach Carol or Debra – two Loyalty team members with more than 30 years at the credit union, known by name across the membership. For members new to digital banking tools, that familiar handoff matters. "Lumi allows us to simplify the easy conversations and show up for the rest," Herring said. "That's what Eltropy does best. And that's what we do best." Loyalty chose Eltropy in 2024 following a competitive evaluation. The credit union cited Eltropy's partnership approach, including on-site demos and access to the Eltropy user conference, as the deciding factor. "I have never had a support issue where I can't get a hold of someone, or where they don't jump to make something happen," Herring said. "It's the best vendor relationship I've ever experienced." Loyalty plans to expand its Eltropy deployment to include Video Banking and is also tracking Mahalo's rollout of a new fraud monitoring tool that uses AI to detect out-of-pattern behavior, flag potential imposters, and limit account access without blocking legitimate members. "The Eltropy side is pretty mind-blowing," Herring said. "Working with them, we've gone from zero to 100 in our call center and member-facing technology." Greater Texas|Aggieland Credit Union Earns Three National Diamond Awards for Innovative Marketing4/29/2026  Greater Texas|Aggieland Credit Union has been recognized for national excellence in marketing, earning three Diamond Awards from America’s Credit Unions Marketing, PR & Development Council. The credit union was honored for two distinct initiatives: the “Howdy Hunt” virtual reality experience and the “Operation Howdy” community branding campaign.
The Diamond Awards are prestigious honors in the credit union industry, recognizing creative excellence and strategic results. This year’s competition saw a record 1,481 entries from across the country, with only 181 organizations selected as winners. Aggieland Credit Union received two awards for its "Reinventing Engagement: the Howdy Hunt VR Experience." The campaign won in the Cutting Edge category for its innovative use of augmented reality to engage Texas A&M students, and in the Community Partnerships and Endorsements category for its successful collaboration with local businesses and influencers. Greater Texas Credit Union earned its Diamond Award in the Logos category for "Drawing Connection: Operation Howdy & Community-First Branding." The logo was developed to anchor a community outreach initiative surrounding the opening of the credit union's newest branch. Featuring hand-drawn elements and watercolor textures inspired by the Texas landscape, the design was created to establish an immediate, authentic connection with residents and local businesses. “These awards reflect our commitment to pushing the boundaries of how we connect with our members and the communities we serve,” said Sidney Henderson, Senior Vice President, Marketing for Greater Texas|Aggieland Credit Union. “Whether we are using virtual reality to welcome students to campus or using hand-crafted design to introduce ourselves to a new neighborhood, our goal is always to be meaningful, innovative, and authentically Texan.” The Howdy Hunt transformed the Texas A&M campus into an interactive scavenger hunt via the Marbleverse app, allowing participants to discover university history and win prizes from local vendors. Meanwhile, the Operation Howdy logo proved so successful in building brand affinity during the Austin branch launch that the credit union now plans to use it as a recurring brand element for future community development across all branches statewide. “We are proud to recognize Greater Texas|Aggieland Credit Union and this year’s Diamond Award winners for their entries that deliver both creativity and results,” said Lorrell Bellotti, Diamond Awards co-chair and chief marketing officer at Western Vista FCU. “These entries demonstrate an understanding of the people we serve and strategic execution that delivers measurable impact.” Opportunity Knock$ event on Capitol Hill connects credit union leaders with Members of Congress4/28/2026  Kathleen Coulombe More than a hundred people gathered Tuesday night to celebrate the intersection of storytelling, community, and financial empowerment.
In recognition of Financial Capability Month, Reps. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, and Young Kim, R-Calif., who are also co-chairs of the Congressional Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus, hosted The Opportunity Knock$ Congressional Panel Discussion & Reception. Rep. Kim shared experiences from her own upbringing, and emphasized the importance of creating financial stability and opportunity, and passing the American dream onto the next generation. Reps. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., John Mannion, D-N.Y., and Marilyn Strickland, D-Wash., also spoke at the event, touching on the challenges facing communities and how efforts by credit unions, CDFIs, and other financial partners provide solutions. Leaders from the credit union movement—including America’s Credit Unions Chief Advocacy Officer Kathleen Coulombe--showcased how cooperative finance creates economic opportunity for hardworking Americans, as credit unions are featured within the Opportunity Knock$ series and participated throughout the event. “Opportunity Knocks does something rare in today's media landscape. It shines a light on real families, real challenges, and real solutions, and it does so with dignity and hope,” Coulombe said during her welcome remarks. “By partnering with local credit unions, the show delivers a message that we in this movement have always believed: that no matter where you are financially, there is an institution in your community that will sit across the table from you, listen, and help you find a way forward.” Creighton Blackwell, chief community and public affairs officer for Coastal Credit Union, emceed the event, which featured clips from the series, as well as two panel discussions on financial access, education, and coordinated support systems that help individuals and families build financial stability. Max Villaronga, president/CEO of Raiz Federal Credit Union; Courtney Moran, executive director of the Cornerstone Credit Union Foundation; Sarah Waters, chief advocacy officer of the Tennessee Credit Union League; and Dina Shultz, chief revenue officer of Telhio Credit Union, participated on the panels. Several credit unions were featured as part of the series. Other credit union leaders at the event represented the African-American Credit Union Coalition, MD|DC Credit Union Association and Foundation, Department of Labor Federal Credit Union, Financial Partners Credit Union, GoWest Credit Union Association, Labor Credit Union, Ohio Credit Union League, Pepco Federal Credit Union, SkyPoint Federal Credit Union, Southern Security Federal Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union, The League of Credit Unions, and Topside Federal Credit Union. America’s Credit Unions, Leagues, and member credit unions’ strong showing at the event showcased the movement’s unified advocacy and commitment to creating economic opportunity and affordable solutions for Americans. Credit union sponsorships are suddenly everywhere in sports, but behind the surge is a deeper strategy -- and growing awareness of the need to do it right. By Marc Rapport Contributing Editor Key Points: • Credit union logos now dominate sports venues. • Strategy is evolving beyond simple visibility. • Community connection drives the deeper partnerships. • Execution determines real value and impact. If it feels like you’re seeing a credit union logo in nearly every sports venue – on broadcasts, in major and minor league sports stadium naming rights, across college fields – you’re not imagining it.  Christine Blake As Christine Blake, president and CEO of $358 million Cardinal Credit Union in Mentor, Ohio, put it, “keen interest in this type of sponsorship for credit unions has dramatically increased over the past two to three years.” That visibility has reached a point where it’s no longer just a trend – it’s a conversation. And Blake is taking a lead role in making that conversation happen in true credit union cooperative fashion. She led the staging of the inaugural Professional Sports Team Credit Union Executive Summit in March 2025 in San Francisco, with the next one being planned for next year. As head coach of the Official Credit Union of the Cleveland Browns, Blake has plenty of experience of her own to share with other credit union leaders. Blake says the idea for a dedicated industry summit came from a simple need to “share best practices and learn from one another,” as more credit unions enter the space and look for ways to do it better. Now, together they can explore how partnering with professional sports teams can help enable the credit union mission, conference promoters say. And it’s not just professional sports teams. College sponsorships are growing, too. What started as visibility is quickly becoming strategy. Click here to see Christine Blake discuss the first Professional Sports Team Summit in our on-air interview on CUbroadcast. Why Credit Unions Are Investing in Sports As member-owned financial cooperatives, the move into sports for many isn’t starting with marketing – it’s starting with mission.  Nick Riegal At Ascend Federal Credit Union, Senior Vice President of Marketing Nick Riegal says, “every decision we make starts with our mission to serve our members and strengthen the communities where they live.” Ascend is based in Tullahoma, TN, and the $4.7 billion shop has naming rights to a major entertainment venue in Nashville, about an hour away, as well as a key sponsorship with nearby Middle Tennessee State University. That focus on mission doesn’t mean the business case takes a back seat. Riegal described a disciplined filter, calling it “a two-step approach” that seeks to answer, “does it help drive our brand … then, does it provide us value?” That’s a balance that’s becoming standard as deals get bigger and more visible. At Cardinal, Blake sees sports as a natural extension of what credit unions already do. “Professional sports by nature unify communities,” she says, noting that the alignment with the cooperative principle of “people helping people” makes these partnerships “a perfect fit.” Growth is another clear driver, especially with younger audiences. Many of these partnerships are structured to attract new and deeper ties, often through targeted programs tied to youth engagement and early financial relationships. Ent Credit Union approaches that challenge by making finances feel more tangible. “By connecting financial concepts with recognizable and trusted people, we’re able to translate what can often feel abstract into something more real and motivating,” says Lauren Weglarz, partnerships and events manager at the Colorado cooperative. Ent signed a multi-year deal in 2024 to become the official banking partner of the NFL’s Denver Broncos and is in the process of rebranding to Wings Credit Union after a merger of equals that created a nearly $20 billion institution and will carry the Minnesota credit union’s name.  Mike Daum What These Sponsorships Actually Look Like What shows up on screen – a logo, a name on a building – is only the surface. At $21.5 billion Golden 1 Credit Union, Chief Marketing Officer Mike Daum says the decision to secure naming rights to Golden 1 Center was “about so much more than just brand awareness.” That partnership, tied to the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, was built as a long-term platform. Daum says the goal was to “expand access, support our members, and enhance financial well-being in the region,” making the arena a vehicle for broader impact. From there, the real work happens in activation. The big California shop translates the partnership into “events, one-of-a-kind experiences, exclusive benefits and discounts,” Daum says, turning passive exposure into active engagement. Ascend takes a similar approach, blending sports and entertainment through partnerships that range from college athletics to a major Nashville venue. Riegal says the amphitheater creates a chance to connect with people “in a place where people aren’t necessarily thinking about their finances,” which changes how the brand is experienced.  Lauren Weglarz Growing the Playing Field Into Something More Those partnerships also open the door to education-focused initiatives. At Middle Tennessee State University, for instance, “We sponsor their Financial Literacy Month annually, helping provide students with access to more resources and knowledge they need to build strong financial habits early, says the cooperative’s marketing SVP. Ent layers in another dimension with player partnerships and community campaigns. Weglarz says the goal is to create “experiences and moments that resonate on a personal level,” not just impressions that fade after a game. That includes cause-driven activations tied directly to performance on the field. Whether it’s donations linked to interceptions or three-point shots, Weglarz says “what we’ve seen is that when members and employees can participate … the value compounds far beyond a single campaign.”  Cardinal work with the Cleveland Browns reflects the same shift. Blake pointed to the Lil’ Brownies Savings Program as an example of using a team platform to teach financial literacy while building long-term relationships with families. Across the board, the pattern is clear: the most effective sponsorships don’t stop at visibility. They build systems around that visibility to drive engagement, education, and growth. Measuring Value and the Risks to Watch With more dollars flowing into sports, scrutiny follows just as quickly. Weglarz says Ent tracks its ROI through “brand health, engagement, and business outcomes,” with performance reviewed consistently over time. Golden 1 applies a similar lens, combining hard data with community feedback. Daum says the organization looks at “awareness, brand resonance, and engagement,” along with qualitative input, to understand what’s actually working. Credit unions also are measuring outcomes like new business, new cards and new memberships to ensure sponsorships are tied directly to growth, not just exposure. That level of accountability reflects a broader mindset shift. At Ascend, Riegal says the focus is on whether partnerships “create positive associations, spark local pride, and open doors for us to engage with people,” using those signals to refine future strategy.  Bo McDonald The Gap Between Spending and Strategy
Still, not everyone is convinced the industry has figured it all out. Veteran marketing guru Bo McDonald of Your Marketing Co. offers a blunt assessment: “I’ve rarely seen sports sponsorships done right,” pointing to a gap between spending and strategy. He warns that too many deals fall back on visibility as the primary justification, calling them “expensive visibility plays with no real strategy behind them,” which raises real questions about value. There’s also the issue of crowding, as more credit unions enter the space. “If every credit union is doing it … then what exactly are you differentiating?” McDonald says, noting the risk of blending into the background. Ultimately, he says, the difference comes down to execution. “To actually resonate, you have to add value to the experience,” he says. Without that, even the most visible sponsorship risks becoming invisible. That’s what all those promotional events and community activities are aiming for, going beyond just displaying logos. Going Where the Logos Can’t “Sports are emotional,” McDonald says. “They’re tied to identity, pride, community. I love my New Orleans Saints, and I know many people who bank with Hancock Whitney bank just for the Saints debit card,” he says, “but it’s not because their name is on the scoreboard. “That emotional connection belongs to the team, not automatically to the sponsor. So, if all a credit union is doing is placing a logo next to that emotion, they’re borrowing it … not earning it. To actually resonate, you have to add value to the experience. Otherwise, you’re just background noise. That tension – between visibility and value – is where the next phase of credit union sports sponsorships will be defined. The logos that go along with sponsorship aren’t going anywhere, but the institutions that stand out will likely be the ones that turn that into something more. If not, they can risk becoming “expensive visibility plays with no real strategy behind them,” McDonald says.  Lauren Culp To close out Financial Capability Month, the National Credit Union Foundation is announcing the opening of its At-Risk Youth Financial Well-Being Grant, making $500,000 in funding available to support credit unions expanding access, opportunity, and financial well-being for young people facing systemic barriers.
For many at-risk youth experiencing housing instability, justice involvement, educational disruption, or other challenges, access to trusted financial guidance and safe financial products is limited or nonexistent. Barriers such as inconsistent guardianship, identification requirements, and mistrust of financial institutions can prevent young people from opening accounts, building credit, or developing foundational financial skills. Without early support and products designed for their needs, these gaps can lead to long-term financial vulnerability, including reliance on predatory services and ongoing financial exclusion. Applications are now open and will be accepted through June 26, 2026. Individual awards will generally be up to $25,000, with approximately 20 credit unions expected to receive funding. This year’s grant builds on the Foundation’s 2025 focus on foster youth, expanding eligibility to support a broader population of at-risk youth. The evolution reflects the insights and innovations credit unions have learned through prior programs and the opportunity to scale financial well-being solutions that address shared root causes of financial instability. “Credit unions are uniquely positioned to meet people where they are and walk alongside them on their financial well-being journey,” said Lauren Culp, Executive Director of the National Credit Union Foundation. “Through this grant, we’re investing in the partnerships, products, and programs that help young people build confidence, discover access, and establish long-term resilience by working with and through credit unions to bring our mission to life.” The At-Risk Youth Financial Well-Being Grant supports credit unions of all asset sizes that demonstrate readiness to:
The 2024 – 2025 grant cycle demonstrated the impact of this approach, supporting programs that reached more than 2,200 youth, created over 400 new savings accounts, and delivered dozens of financial education experiences across participating credit unions. One example is Colorado Credit Union, which used grant funding to build partnerships with local organizations to deliver sustained, community-driven financial well-being programming. That work is now expanding, demonstrating how credit unions can turn pilot program innovations into long-term strategies. Credit unions that participated in last year’s foster youth-focused grants are also encouraged to apply, using their learnings to expand and adapt programs to serve a broader population of at-risk youth. To support interested applicants, the Foundation will host an informational webinar on May 27, covering application details, eligibility, and what makes a strong proposal. Additional resources and application materials are available at ncuf.coop. Beyond funding individual programs, the Foundation will work alongside grant recipients to capture insights, build resources, and elevate impact stories to ensure credit unions across the country learn from one another and strengthen their collective approach to improving financial well-being.  April marks National Financial Literacy Month: a time to focus on how people build the knowledge and confidence to manage their financial lives. Yet too often, financial guidance is confusing, impersonal, or out of reach. With 36 states and counting requiring personal finance courses for high school graduation, there’s growing recognition that financial literacy is essential, but access to practical, real-world support still varies widely.
Credit unions are helping turn that momentum into real support—support that has been part of their model since the beginning. Built on the principle of “people helping people,” credit unions have long focused on meeting members in moments that matter most, especially when navigating financial decisions feel overwhelming. Designed for Real Life Financial literacy isn’t one-size-fits-all. It looks different for a high school student opening their first-ever account, a family navigating rising costs, or a new homebuyer preparing for a major life milestone. Credit unions are designed to meet those moments with practical, personalized support, offering guidance that reflects the decisions people face every day. Across the country, 86% of credit unions provide structured financial education or counseling, offering workshops, one-on-one guidance, and digital tools that help members understand everything from budgeting to credit scores to long-term savings. That means millions of Americans have access to personalized support that goes beyond information, and into real decision-making. Turning Lessons Into Real Outcomes What sets credit unions apart is how closely education is tied to financial outcomes. Beyond learning, financial literacy is also about being able to act on that knowledge. It’s understanding the “why” behind financial decisions, so that people can make choices with confidence, not guesswork. Research shows that early financial education has a measurable impact: families whose children received financial lessons saw a 5% increase in credit scores and 26% fewer loan defaults, according to the World Economic Forum. Americans who grow up with strong financial education are also more likely to see improved earnings over time. When people understand their options, they are better positioned to make choices that support long-term stability and stronger financial futures, not just solving short-term challenges. Backbone members are putting this into practice in communities every day. In Washington, BECU offers free financial education and first-time homebuyer workshops for adults and students across the region, helping members take the next step with confidence. Merck Employees Federal Credit Union offers a personalized tool to help their members quickly access the tools they actually need without feeling overwhelmed. In Michigan, orsa credit union is going where the next generation is already learning about money—launching an interactive experience on Roblox where users can practice budgeting decisions, open virtual accounts, and build financial instincts in a digital world. Nationwide, credit unions are also creating hands-on learning opportunities—from “bite of reality” simulations that walk students through real-life financial decisions, to starter debit cards and youth-run credit unions that help young people build financial habits early. These experiences help make financial concepts tangible from an early age, helping people connect what they learn directly to how they live. By pairing education with real-world application, credit unions empower members with the tools to build more stable, informed futures for themselves and their families. A Foundation That Lasts Credit unions approach financial literacy as an ongoing relationship rather than a one-time lesson. As member-owned cooperatives, they provide guidance that evolves with people’s lives: whether that’s preparing for emergencies, planning for major purchases, or building long-term stability. When people have access to clear information, trusted guidance, and financial tools designed around their needs, they are better equipped to avoid costly alternatives and move toward lasting financial security. During Financial Literacy Month and beyond, credit unions remain a steady presence, helping turn financial knowledge into real-world confidence. Want to Learn More? Backbone is a national coalition of credit unions committed to making financial knowledge and opportunity more accessible in communities across the country. Reach out to [email protected] or visit backbone.us to learn more.  Christine Blake As part of its focus on youth financial education, Cardinal Credit Union, a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving the community through high-performance banking products and services, is hosting its annual Mad City Money Scholarship competition where high school seniors compete for $5,000 in college scholarships. The competition will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 29 at Lake Catholic High School in Mentor.
Cardinal’s Mad City Money competition challenges high school seniors with managing the financial responsibilities of adulthood. During the two-hour live, in-person competition, teams of students will visit on-site merchants to purchase housing, transportation, food, clothing, daycare and other wants and needs, all while balancing a budget. According to research from Harvard Kennedy School, students exposed to financial education are more likely to avoid unnecessary debt, save regularly and plan for long-term goals. The competition is open to seniors from five area high schools, including Eastlake North High School, Lake Catholic High School, Mentor High School, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School, and Willoughby South High School. The event represents the culmination of Cardinal’s investment in youth financial education for the 2025-2026 school year. “Financial education for youth sets a firm foundation for a bright future,” said Christine Blake, CEO of Cardinal Credit Union. “When students learn the ins and outs of budgeting, the importance of saving, how credit works and what effect taxes have, they are learning financial responsibility. This knowledge really helps set them up for success in life.” The winning team of three seniors will be chosen based on their math and budgeting skills and ability to turn in their competition packages on time. Cardinal employees will be on-site to review and score the proposed budgets. Tom McKrill, principal, Lake Catholic High School, agrees that youth financial education is a critical pillar of today’s high school curriculum. “At Lake Catholic, we are all about supporting initiatives like the Mad Money Scholarship competition, which gives students real-world experience in a fun and engaging environment. We recognize Cardinal’s commitment to the community and their support in providing the ideal level of educational assistance to our students. Cardinal’s dedication to the community and to student success is making a meaningful difference for our student body.” Cardinal offers integrated financial education programs to five area high schools and Lakeland Community College, where Cardinal operates in-school branches and offers accounts to students. Its financial education curriculum targets high school juniors and seniors and provides students with an eight-week program on money management budgeting, security and more. |
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