First Financial Federal Credit Union awarded a $100,000 Legacy of Leadership Grant to Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) in support of professional development programs and in recognition of the credit union’s long-standing partnership with the school system. The grant also serves to honor the leadership of First Financial Youth Outreach Manager, Cindy Jones, as she completes her tenure as President of the Education Foundation of BCPS.

“The First Financial FCU Legacy of Leadership Grant is a tremendous investment in Team BCPS staff and will provide us with an opportunity to strengthen and expand our training and development programs,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers. “We are grateful for the 70+ years of dedicated partnership and support and thank First Financial FCU for their unwavering commitment to Team BCPS staff, students, and families.”

The grant funding will support the Central Staff Induction Program (CSIP) and ASPIRE BCPS Professional Leadership Development Program as well as future leadership training opportunities. The grant is an important affirmation of the value of leadership in education. As the credit union founded by and for Baltimore County Public Schools more than 70 years ago, First Financial is dedicated to supporting BCPS educators and professionals in their leadership development to ensure quality education for students and to create a stronger, more vital community.

“Our storied history with Baltimore County Public Schools is a testament to the power and importance of school and business partnerships,” said VP/Chief Marketing Officer, Stephanie Peltzer. “This grant will support vital training and professional enrichment for future BCPS leaders and pays tribute to Cindy Jones, Youth Outreach Manager, who is an industry leader in service to both educators and students.”

First Financial, a member-owned credit union serving school systems, businesses, and hospitals, within Maryland and now Virginia, strives to deliver service excellence while providing their members with products, tools, and resources to live financially well. In addition to offering numerous rewards programs benefitting their members, the credit union also supports their local community through volunteerism and financial donations to partner groups such as Baltimore, Carroll, Worcester, Somerset, and Accomack County Public Schools, Baltimore-area hospitals, and community service organizations.

To learn more about being a part of the First Financial difference, visit firstfinancial.org or call Member Services at 410-321-6060.

First Financial Federal Credit Union recently expanded their support of the TU Outstanding Young Women’s Leadership Program with a $30,000 sponsorship benefitting students from Baltimore County Public Schools and now, Carroll County Public Schools.

The Outstanding Young Women Leaders program offers select high school students from Baltimore and Carroll County the opportunity to develop essential leadership skills and gain valuable experience that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional lives. Participants also have the chance to network with professional women in the area, helping them build connections that can support their future success.

“As an education-based credit union, First Financial is committed to supporting education and helping young women become the leaders of tomorrow,” said First Financial President/CEO Eric Church. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact these programs have on our community, and we’re honored to be a part of it.”

This initiative, in partnership with Towson University, Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), and now Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS), marks the first time the Program has been expanded to include a second school district. Beyond financial support, First Financial staff members actively participate as mentors, offering guidance and expertise to the young women in the program.

To learn more about being a part of the First Financial difference, visit firstfinancial.org or call Member Services at 410-321-6060.

In a ceremony held on October 30^th, First Financial Federal Credit Union recognized and celebrated Baltimore County Public School (BCPS) educators by awarding 10, $1,000 Putting Students First Grants. This is the third of a five-year commitment to the BCPS grant program totaling $50,000.

The Putting Students First Grant was created by First Financial, in partnership with the Education Foundation of Baltimore County, to support innovative educational programming developed by BCPS educators. Grant funding will be utilized to plan exciting learning experiences and to purchase additional resources and supplies to meet the individual needs of the students and classrooms.

Recipients for the 2024-2025 school year include Catonsville High School, General John Stricker Middle School, Glyndon Elementary School, Hawthorne Elementary School, Hernwood Elementary School, Martin Boulevard Elementary School, Milbrook Elementary School, Pikesville Middle School, Sparrows Point Middle School, and Western School of Technology and Environmental Science.

In 1953, First Financial was created by and for BCPS employees to serve their financial needs and provide financial wellness and ultimately financial freedom to all. “The Putting Students First Grant program is one of the many ways we bring our mission to life, and recognize and support BCPS educators and students,” said Stephanie Peltzer, First Financial VP/Chief Marketing Officer. “First Financial is proud to honor the impactful work of education professionals in our community and celebrate this important collaboration between our organizations.”

For details on First Financial outreach initiatives, visit firstfinancial.org/community. To learn more about being a part of the First Financial difference, visit firstfinancial.org.

Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) has named First Financial Federal Credit Union (FFFCU) as the 2024-2025 BCPS Business Champion of the Year, an award granted to a Baltimore County business that has had a significant impact on BCPS staff and students by supporting system efforts to enhance student success.

As the credit union founded by BCPS educators, First Financial continuously looks for opportunities to support students, educators, and classrooms. First Financial was honored to accept the award at the 2024 Champions for Children Awards Celebration on April 18, 2024.

“As our founding partner, no organization speaks more to the heart of First Financial than Baltimore County Public Schools,” stated Eric Church, First Financial President/CEO. “It is truly a privilege to be recognized as a devoted partner and avid supporter of the BCPS community – a mission we have held true for over 70 years.”

To learn more about being a part of the First Financial difference, visit firstfinancial.org or call Member Services at 410-321-6060.