The Southeastern Credit Union Foundation (SECUF), the charitable arm of The League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates (LSCU & Affiliates), is proud to unveil an exciting collaboration that will transform the landscape of credit union member services. SECUF is teaming up with City & Police Federal Credit Union in Jacksonville, Florida to expand the Community Spark Program.
Through the Community Spark Program in Florida, SECUF created the Credit Union Member Services Specialists Traning Program, a fully online and tuition-free course that spans six weeks, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of credit unions, call centers, account management, and online banking. Program participants will progress to the six-week internship phase, solidifying their practical experience and further honing their abilities. Internships are hosted by the program’s partner credit unions.
“City & Police Federal Credit Union is excited and honored to partner with SECUF’s Community Spark Program,” said Aaron Logue, CEO of City & Police. “The Program’s mission echoes our industry’s ‘People Helping People’ philosophy. We look forward to adding new valuable team members and exposing them to the good work that is being done here at City & Police as we serve our members.”
SECUF is thankful for its Advisory Council members and their work to help form and guide the Community Spark Program. The Florida Advisory Council includes Allie Braswell of VyStar Credit Union, Mary McDonald of Suncoast Credit Union, and Hollie Maddox of Envision Credit Union.
"We are thrilled with the overwhelming support and partnership from Florida credit unions in expanding the Community Spark Program," said Samantha Beeler, President of LSCU. "This program equips students with the essential skillsets needed to thrive in today's dynamic workplace. We are immensely proud of the collaborative efforts of Florida credit unions, as they create unparalleled career pathways for Floridians.”
The Florida Community Spark Program strongly emphasizes increasing diversity and equity within the credit union industry. By training unemployed and underemployed individuals, the program aims to develop the skills necessary for successful careers in credit unions, while removing employment barriers through intentional recruitment and establishing a robust support structure.