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.
In a ceremony held on October 30th, 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.”
“Since 2018, Cindy has been an energetic, hardworking, very dedicated, and passionate board member and leader who supports the mission and values of the Foundation. As a visionary leader who is a trusted and respected advisor, Cindy will provide mission-driven leadership and strategic governance and will represent the Foundation as an Education Champion,” stated Debbie Phelps, Executive Director of the Education Foundation. “She has a huge heart for our students and educators in BCPS. It will be an honor to work alongside her, providing any support needed from myself and the headquarters staff.”
The Education Foundation of BCPS develops resources to serve the students, educators, and schools throughout the Baltimore County community, specifically through fundraising, advocacy, and programs. Jones previously served as a Board Member of the Education Foundation, Chair of the Foundation’s Exchangeree Advisory Council, and 1st Vice President of the Foundation.
“As a proud BCPS graduate and FFFCU team member, it is an honor to serve Baltimore County Public Schools in this capacity,” said Cindy Jones. “I am excited to be a part of the Foundation’s role in raising awareness and support to the success of students, educators, schools, and community within BCPS through the many initiatives, grants, and scholarship opportunities available.”
Jones has led First Financial’s youth outreach program for over 20 years. Her commitment to improving the financial literacy of high school students is evident as she oversees and manages several resources for youth within the credit union’s field of membership. This includes six student-run local high school branches, Money Talks classroom presentations, and an annual scholarship program that has awarded $2.2 million in scholarships to students over the past 25 years.
Outgoing Education Foundation President, Mick Rayburn, passes gavel to incoming Education Foundation President and First Financial Youth Outreach Manager, Cindy Jones, during Passing of the Gavel Ceremony.
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