Representatives of USCA and SRP Federal Credit Union prepare to cut the ribbon on the newly designed Pacer $mart hallway and classroom.

USCA and SRP Federal Credit Union Unveil New Pacer $mart Classroom

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Aiken, SC – Representatives from SRP Federal Credit Union and the University of South Carolina Aiken gathered on March 21 to celebrate the unveiling of a newly designed classroom and hallway dedicated to financial education at the university.

 

The new learning space will host Pacer $mart, a financial education program created in partnership between SRP and USCA’s School of Business Administration. Designed to equip college and high school students with financial knowledge, the program covers key personal finance topics, including budgeting, saving, credit, investing, insurance, taxes, and economics.

 

“The Pacer $mart program is a testament to the power of partnership in shaping students’ financial futures,” said Dr. Daniel J. Heimmermann, Chancellor at USCA. “This newly designed space will serve as a dynamic hub for financial learning, equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives.”

 

Located inside USCA’s Business & Education building, the newly branded Pacer $mart classroom will serve as a hub for guest speakers, financial success camps, and other educational initiatives. The classroom and adjoining hallway feature wall murals that incorporate university and SRP branding, along with an inspiring quote from Benjamin Franklin: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

 

SRP Federal Credit Union remains dedicated to the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” by fostering financial education in the communities it serves. In addition to the Pacer $mart program, SRP provides personal financial education through seminars, financial counseling, school visits, and more.

 

“Uplifting our communities through financial education is a cornerstone of our mission at SRP,” said Liz Ponder, Interim CEO, SRP Federal Credit Union. “We are proud to partner with USC Aiken to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need for lifelong financial success.”

Representatives from SRP Federal Credit Union and Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School gather after dropping off shoes from SRP's shoe drive for OWES students.

SRP Foundation and SRP Team Members Provide New Shoes for Oakwood-Windsor Elementary Students

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Aiken County, SC – Every student at Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School received a brand-new pair of shoes at an assembly on March 17, thanks to the generosity of SRP Federal Credit Union team members and the support of the SRP Foundation.

 

The initiative, led by Interim CEO Liz Ponder and team member Tonya Edge, brought together employees from various departments and branches to donate hundreds of shoes. Board Chair Sandra DeVoe Bland, the Board of Directors and the SRP Foundation also played a vital role in ensuring every child received a new pair.

 

This collaborative effort extended beyond SRP, as Oakwood-Windsor Elementary’s teachers, staff, and families worked together to provide shoe sizes and favorite colors for each student. By the end of the school day, every child left with a new pair of shoes and an extra sense of confidence.

Students at Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School try out their new shoes, donated by SRP Federal Credit Union.
Oakwood-Windsor Elementary students try out their new sneakers. Every student at Oakwood-Windsor received a new pair of shoes from SRP's shoe drive.

“At Oakwood-Windsor Elementary, we embrace the fact that in order to grow a child’s academic brain, we must also nurture their physical, social, and emotional well-being,” said Davina Truitt, Principal of Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School. “It truly takes a village to accomplish this, and at OWES, we have the absolute best village around! We are extremely thankful for community partners like SRP Federal Credit Union, who recognize that the future of the world is in our classrooms and are helping to make a difference—one Wise Owl at a time.”

 

Kristen Mulvey, School Counselor at Oakwood-Windsor, echoed the sentiment: “Our students come from all walks of life, and they know better than anyone that it takes a village to help raise children to be successful. We are so grateful to SRP for helping our Wise Owls walk a little taller, feel more confident in their step, and know that the adults in their lives truly care about their well-being.”

 

Liz Ponder, Interim CEO of SRP Federal Credit Union, expressed appreciation for the generosity of SRP’s team members and the lasting impact of the initiative. “At SRP Federal Credit Union, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they received their brand-new shoes was truly heartwarming. Every child deserves to walk with confidence, and we are honored to support our local students in such a meaningful way. This shoe drive is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together to make a difference.”

 


SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 195,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by both the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce.

 

The SRP Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by SRP Federal Credit Union in 2024, serves as a resource to nonprofit organizations and initiatives that support positive change with passion and commitment to the quality of life in our communities.  The SRP Foundation focuses on human services, healthcare, housing, education and those initiatives that empower individuals to overcome barriers and pursue a better life. 

 

For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

SRP and Augusta Technical College representatives join for a photo.

SRP employees Yvonne Meeks, Shana Reid, and Grace Helms join Augusta Technical College President Dr. Jermaine Whirl with the new SRP Affinity Debit Card for the Augusta Technical College Foundation.

Augusta Technical College and SRP Federal Credit Union Strengthen Partnership to Support Education and Economic Growth

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Augusta, GA – Augusta Technical College and SRP Federal Credit Union continue to expand their partnership, reinforcing their shared commitment to education, financial wellness, and community development. Their latest collaboration introduces the Augusta Technical College Foundation Affinity Debit Card, offering alumni, students, and supporters a new way to give back to the college with every purchase.

 

The newly launched debit card, featuring Augusta Tech’s logo and signature forest green, mint, and white color palette, is part of SRP’s Affinity Debit Card Program—an initiative that donates a portion of every transaction to local schools. Augusta Technical College is the first higher education institution to participate in the program, which has already provided over $2 million in funding to public, charter, and private high schools across eight CSRA counties.

 

Funds raised through the Augusta Technical College Affinity Debit Card will directly support the Augusta Technical College Foundation, which provides scholarships, faculty development, and resources to enhance student success.

 

“The SRP debit card program is a wonderful opportunity for the college's 30,000+ alumni and friends to support the college in their daily lives,” said Dr. Jermaine Whirl, President of Augusta Technical College. “SRP has been a terrific partner by supporting Accelerate Augusta, financial literacy, and other programs at the college. With the debit cards, they are making it easy for everyone to contribute to Augusta Tech’s continuing success.”

 

The new debit card is the latest in a series of collaborative efforts between Augusta Tech and SRP. In late 2024, the two institutions launched SRP Cougar$mart, a financial education program designed to equip students with essential money management skills. Additionally, SRP serves as the naming sponsor for Accelerate Augusta, a small business incubator and microenterprise center developed in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority of Augusta.

 

By expanding its collaboration with Augusta Technical College, SRP Federal Credit Union continues to embody the credit union philosophy of People Helping People, ensuring that students, educators, and entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need to thrive.

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SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 195,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by both the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

SRP Federal Credit Union board members and executives join local leaders to break ground on the future Allendale branch. The group is lined up behind a dirt mound with the SRP logo painted in the center. The participants are holding shovels.

SRP Federal Credit Union Breaks Ground on Future Allendale, SC Branch

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Allendale, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union marked a significant milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony for its upcoming branch in Allendale, SC. The new location, expected to be completed by winter 2025, will expand SRP’s presence in Allendale County, providing a welcoming and accessible space for individuals, families, and businesses seeking financial services.

 

“Today, we are not just breaking ground on a new building,” said Eric Jenkins, CEO of SRP Federal Credit Union, during the ceremony. “We’re laying the foundation for stronger financial futures and enhanced opportunities for all members of this community.”

 

Designed by Heavener & Associates Construction Company, the Allendale branch will feature four teller stations and four offices for Member Service Representatives to accommodate the growing needs of local members. The Augusta, GA-based firm will also oversee the construction of the facility.

 

Once completed, the Allendale branch will become SRP Federal Credit Union’s southernmost location, increasing accessibility to financial services for the community. This expansion will bring SRP’s total number of branches across Georgia and South Carolina to 21.

 

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together local leaders, community partners, and SRP Federal Credit Union’s executive team and Board of Directors, all gathered to celebrate this exciting development.

 

“This milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our team, our partners, and our members who have placed their trust in us,” said Jenkins. “We also extend our gratitude to the local government and construction team for their collaboration in bringing this vision to life.”

 

SRP Federal Credit Union remains committed to strengthening the communities it serves, and the upcoming Allendale branch is another step in its ongoing mission to provide exceptional financial services to its member-owners.

 

For more information about SRP Federal Credit Union and its services, visit www.srpfcu.org.

Georgia Kids Win Big: GCFLF and SRP Credit Union Create Financial Futures

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Augusta, GA – Georgia's students are gaining financial independence through an innovative collaboration. 200 children will receive financial literacy tools and their own bank accounts, with $5,000 in deposits distributed among participants.

 

SRP Federal Credit Union and the Global Children's Financial Literacy Foundation (GCFLF) have teamed up for a financial wellness book drive on April 17 and 18 in Waynesboro and Augusta.

 

“By giving kids a stake in their financial future, we're teaching concepts and creating opportunities for them to see what's possible," says Prince Dykes, founder of GCFLF. In similar programs, students reported feeling more confident about saving and investing, with kids saying they felt like they could really manage their money.

 

Students will be provided with complimentary editions of the Wesley Learns financial literacy series courtesy of SRP. The collaboration provides real-world financial experience that builds confidence and inspires lifelong economic success. Its goal is to break poverty cycles, foster wealth, and empower families with lasting opportunities.

 

“SRP Federal Credit Union is committed to fostering financial literacy across all age groups through various programs. We're especially glad to partner with GCFLF on this project," says Grace Helms, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Community Development.

 

Georgia ranks 11th in the U.S. for millionaire households. This program ensures local children gain the knowledge and resources to build wealth and strengthen their community's economic future.

 

Reaching New Cities - Expanding the Impact

Starting in Georgia, the initiative will expand nationwide through an April book drive. It plans to donate 2,500 books and create first-time shareholders in five cities: Atlanta, Denver, New York City, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. As the program grows, GCFLF seeks new partners to sponsor book drives and teach personal finance basics.

About the Global Children’s Financial Literacy Foundation (GCFLF)

GCFLF equips young people with financial literacy tools to help them succeed. Through its Wesley Learns series and partnerships, it transforms students into first-time shareholders and confident money managers.

 

For more information, visit GCFLF.org or contact info@gcflf.org. The founders, Prince Dykes and Chadrick Davis, are available for interviews.

 

Rated one of only twenty-two credit unions nationwide with a top rating by Weiss Financial Ratings, SRP Federal Credit Union is headquartered in North Augusta, SC, and provides financial services to more than 197,000 members. For more information on SRP Federal Credit Union, visit www.srpfcu.org.

Ribbon-cutting of the SRP Federal Credit Union Boardroom at the J.A. Discovery Center

SRP Federal Credit Union Unveils Branded Boardroom at JA Discovery Center

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Evans, GA – SRP Federal Credit Union and Junior Achievement (JA) Discovery Center of the CSRA celebrated the unveiling of the newly branded SRP Federal Credit Union Boardroom with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 31, 2025.

 

Located inside the JA Discovery Center on River Watch Parkway in Evans, GA, the boardroom will serve as a dedicated meeting space for JA and its corporate sponsors, further enhancing the center’s mission of financial literacy and career readiness for students.

 

The newly branded space features a striking wall dedicated to SRP’s High School Affinity Debit Card program, alongside a detailed timeline showcasing the credit union’s rich history.

 

SRP Federal Credit Union has been a proud founding partner of the JA Discovery Center of the CSRA since its opening in 2023.

 

The center provides hands-on financial education to students from the Columbia County School District and the Richmond County School System through interactive programs like JA Finance Park and JA BizTown. These simulations immerse students in a real-world economy, helping them develop essential skills in personal finance, entrepreneurship, and career planning.

 

Community Impact

Grace Helms, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Community Development at SRP Federal Credit Union, emphasized SRP’s ongoing commitment to financial education and community support.

 

“Junior Achievement's mission to provide financial education to young people aligns perfectly with our dedication to equipping individuals of all ages with essential financial skills,” said Helms. “By working together, we are helping to empower the next generation with the knowledge they need to build strong, financially sustainable futures.”

 

SRP Federal Credit Union remains committed to supporting Junior Achievement, with numerous SRP team members actively participating as past and present instructors in JA programs.

 

Laney Mize, Director of Development for Greater Augusta at Junior Achievement of Georgia said, “SRP has been a huge supporter of Junior Achievement through providing employee volunteers and funding.” 

 

“SRP influences and educates students, but also adult visitors as well,” said Mize. “The SRP Boardroom is a place where JA Partners can hold meetings and also learn the impressive history and culture of what SRP Federal Credit Union has to offer to the CSRA.”