SRP Funds STEAM Summer Program at Edgefield County Youth Empowerment Center
posted on
May 16, 2025
Johnson, SC – Representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union presented the Edgefield County Youth Empowerment Center with a donation of $11,500 on May 15 to benefit the organization’s NASA Astro STEAM Summer Academy.
“SRP Federal Credit Union’s generous support of the NASA Astro STEAM Summer Academy is more than a donation—it’s an investment in the future of our youth. Their commitment empowers us to spark curiosity, nurture innovation, and provide life-changing opportunities for students in under-resourced communities. We are deeply grateful for their partnership in helping us inspire the next generation of explorers, engineers, and leaders,” said Marcella Edwards, CEO of the Edgefield County Youth Empowerment Center.
The five-week summer program, scheduled to begin on June 9, will allow K-12 students to explore topics like NASA Earth and space science, technology, engineering, rocketry, robotics, and computer science through engaging, hands-on activities.
“We are thrilled to support the Edgefield County Youth Empowerment Center’s NASA Astro STEAM Summer Academy,” said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union. “Giving back is at the heart of what we do at SRP Federal Credit Union, and we hope to help local students prepare for success in school and beyond.”
Guided by the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” SRP Federal Credit Union remains committed to strengthening the communities it serves. Other recent SRP initiatives to uplift local students include: donations for local high schools from the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program, a shoe drive for an Aiken County elementary school, partnerships with Augusta Technical College and USC Aiken, and more.
About SRP
SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 196,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.
College Planning 101: 5 Tips from BALANCE
posted on
May 15, 2025
College Planning 101
Most parents have already heard the bad news: a college education has never been more expensive. Many, in fact, are still paying off their own student debt and would like their children to avoid that burden. The good news is that there’s a lot parents can do to help their children and make the costs of college more manageable.
Invest in a Tax-Advantaged 529 Account
The 529 account is an education savings account and it’s a fantastic deal to save for education expenses for a child, grandchild, or even yourself. Though contributions to 529s are not tax deductible, the account’s earnings are not taxed when you use the money for qualified education expenses – things like tuition, books and even room and board. Start automatic deposits from your paycheck when your child is young and you could have a substantial nest egg when she’s ready for college.
Apply for Financial Aid
You have to be poor to receive financial aid for college, right? Wrong! While many scholarships and grants are needs-based, many other financial aid opportunities are merit-based. So, if your child does well academically, or meets other specialized criteria, she may qualify for assistance even if you are affluent. For example, many colleges and universities have endowments and use this “institutional aid” to attract promising students – and not just athletes – to their programs.
When exploring your options, keep an eye out for scammers. While there are reputable college financial planners, no legitimate scholarship program will require students to pay to apply for aid. And, of course, be wary of any college funding strategy or investment that sounds good to be true!
Explore Local Community Colleges
Academically-speaking, community colleges offer a phenomenal value for meeting almost any degree program’s general education requirements. Plus, students at community colleges often benefit from close teacher-to-student ratios, while many university and four-year college GE classes aren’t even taught by full-time faculty. There are also huge savings on room and board when a child attends a local institution and can continue living with mom and dad. Just remember to investigate requirements for transfer students to ensure that preparatory coursework will be accepted by the student’s chosen degree program.
Borrow Sensibly
Even with financial aid and parental support, many students will still need to take out loans to pay for college. The key is to limit borrowing to an amount the student can reasonably be expected to pay back in ten years or less. The lower the loan amount, the better, but a good rule of thumb is to borrow no more than the expected first year’s salary.
Let Your Child Have Skin in the Game
If the money’s there to pay all of your child’s college expenses, it’s all good. However, parents who skimp on critical goals — like saving for their own retirement – to pay for a child’s education, may never recover from the financial hit. Remember, your child can pay for college with a combination of student loans and work earnings, but you can’t get a “retirement” loan to pay expenses when you’re no longer working!
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors for advice. Membership required. SRP is federally insured by NCUA.
Aiken County Public School District Receives Over $290,000 from 2024 SRP Affinity Debit Card Program Proceeds
posted on
May 14, 2025
Aiken, SC – At the May 13 Aiken County Board of Education meeting, representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union presented the Aiken County Public School District with over $290,000 in proceeds from the 2024 SRP Affinity Debit Card Program, benefiting nine local high schools.
The funds, totaling $290,019.25, reflect donations made by SRP Federal Credit Union in 2024 derived from SRP Affinity Debit Card usage. Each time a member uses an Affinity card, a donation is made to the corresponding school.
“SRP Federal Credit Union continues to be an extraordinary partner in public education. The success of the Affinity Debit Card Program has far exceeded our expectations, providing our high schools with the resources to fund specialized needs that enhance campus culture and support students, teachers, staff, and families,” said Dr. Corey Murphy, Superintendent of Aiken County Public Schools.
The nine Aiken County public high schools benefitting from the Affinity program include: the Aiken County Career Technology Center, Aiken High School, Aiken Scholars Academy, Midland Valley High School, North Augusta High School, Ridge Spring-Monetta High School, Silver Bluff High School, South Aiken High School, and Wagener-Salley High School.
Each school has full discretion over how the funds are used, allowing flexibility to address its greatest needs. Past donations have supported technology upgrades, student incentives, teacher certifications, school equipment, team uniforms, and more.
Since its founding in 2018, the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program has provided more than $2 million for 46 schools across eight counties in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). Participating schools include public, private, and charter high schools, as well as the Augusta Technical College Foundation.
“This milestone donation is a direct result of our members’ ongoing commitment to supporting local schools through everyday spending,” said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union. “Good things are happening at SRP!”
About SRP
SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 196,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.
Horse Creek Academy Receives Over $15,000 in SRP Affinity Debit Card Program Funds
posted on
April 30, 2025
Aiken, SC – Representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union presented Horse Creek Academy with over $15,000 in 2024 SRP Affinity Debit Card funds at the school’s April 28 Board of Directors meeting.
The charter school received a total of $15,196.50, the result of every transaction made using a Horse Creek Academy Affinity Debit Card in 2024. In the Affinity Debit Card Program, SRP Federal Credit Union donates to the school designated on the card every time a member uses the card to make a purchase.
The Affinity funds are unrestricted, and Horse Creek Academy will be able to allocate the funds wherever they are needed most.
“We’re so grateful for SRP’s continued partnership and belief in our mission. These funds directly support the heart of our school — our students and staff — and help us grow opportunities that make a lasting impact,” said Dr. Ann Marie Taylor, Chief Vision Officer and Lead Learner of Horse Creek Academy.
Established in 2018, the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program offers debit cards that benefit 46 schools across eight counties in the CSRA. The program has provided over $2 million in funding for public, charter, and private high schools, as well as Augusta Technical College, since its launch.
Participating schools have full discretion over the use of the funds. The Affinity Debit Card Program has supported a variety of school needs, such as team uniforms, teacher certifications, student incentives, school equipment, computers, and more.
SRP Federal Credit Union remains committed to the credit union philosophy of People Helping People and continues to enhance local communities and uplift local education through the Affinity Debit Card Program.
Dr. Ann Marie Taylor, Chief Vision Officer and Lead Learner of Horse Creek Academy, and Michael Clennett, SRP Community Engagement Specialist, present a check from 2024 SRP Affinity Debit Card Program proceeds alongside the HCA Board of Directors.
About SRP
SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 196,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.
SRP Federal Credit Union Donates Over $66,000 to Local High Schools Through Affinity Debit Card Program
posted on
April 23, 2025
Augusta, GA – SRP Federal Credit Union presented the Richmond County School System and the Columbia County School District with a combined total of over $66,000 from proceeds generated through the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program. The donations were announced during the respective Board of Education meetings held on April 22.
A check for $11,317.91 was presented to the Richmond County School System, while the Columbia County School District received $55,157.80. These funds represent all 2024 transactions made by SRP members using Affinity Debit Cards customized for each participating high school.
Through the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program, members can select debit cards featuring unique designs representing local high schools or Augusta Technical College. Each time a member uses their card for a purchase, SRP donates funds to the school displayed on the card. Since the program’s inception in 2018, more than $2 million has been donated to 46 schools across eight counties in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).
“We are grateful for this continued partnership between SRP Federal Credit Union and our five high schools,” said Dr. Steven Flynt, Columbia County School District Superintendent. “Their efforts align with our strategic plan objectives that aim to enrich student achievement through community engagement. These funds allow our schools to enhance the high-level of learning that happens in classrooms across the Columbia County School District. Thank you, SRP Federal Credit Union, for all you do to engage, enrich, and inspire our students and staff.”
In addition, Dr. Malinda Cobb, Richmond County School System Interim Superintendent said, “The Richmond County School System is grateful for SRP Federal Credit Union’s continued partnership and their investment in our students. Support from the Affinity Debit Card Program helps create more opportunities for learning, growth, and success in our schools. Their commitment to education and to our community is deeply appreciated.”
The 11 Richmond County high schools benefiting from the program include: Academy of Richmond County, Butler High School, Cross Creek High School, Glenn Hills High School, Hephzibah High School, Lucy C. Laney High School, T.W. Josey High School, Westside High School, A.R. Johnson Health Science & Engineering Magnet School, Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, and Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School.
In Columbia County, Affinity funds will support Evans High School, Greenbrier High School, Grovetown High School, Harlem High School, and Lakeside High School.
Participating schools have full discretion over how the funds are used, allowing flexibility to address their greatest needs. Past donations have supported teacher certifications, technology upgrades, student incentives, team uniforms, school equipment, and more.
“The SRP Affinity Debit Card Program would not be possible without the support of our loyal members who choose to give back with every swipe,” said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer at SRP Federal Credit Union. “At SRP, we believe in the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People,’ and we’re proud to help uplift students and educators across Richmond and Columbia Counties.”
Representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union join Columbia County School District Superintendent Dr. Steven Flynt in a check presentation at the April 22 Columbia County Board of Education meeting. From left to right: Michael Clennett, SRP team member; Dr. Flynt, Superintendent; Yvonne Meeks, SRP team member; Terry Meeks, SRP board member.Representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union join Richmond County School System leaders in a check presentation at the April 22 Richmond County Board of Education meeting. From left to right: Shawnda Stovall, President, Richmond County Board of Education; Charmaine Finch, SRP team member; Shana Reid, SRP Chief Development Officer; Grace Helms, SRP team member; Dr. Malinda Cobb, Richmond County School System Interim Superintendent.
About SRP
SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 196,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.
SRP Federal Credit Union Hosts Financial Education Event at USC Aiken
posted on
April 22, 2025
Aiken, SC – On April 2, SRP Federal Credit Union hosted Pace Your Finances, a financial education event for college students at the University of South Carolina Aiken.
Led by SRP’s Community Development Department, the event featured a Jeopardy!-style trivia game focused on credit. Students competed for prizes while learning about essential financial topics such as credit scores, loans, and more.
The event reflects SRP’s continued commitment to promoting financial literacy at the university level. In 2024, SRP and the USC Aiken School of Business Administration launched Pacer $mart, a financial education initiative designed to serve both college and high school students.
Developed to equip students with the tools they need for long-term financial success, the Pacer $mart program offers a comprehensive personal finance curriculum that encourages informed decision-making. In March, representatives from SRP and USC Aiken unveiled a co-branded classroom and hallway dedicated to the program.
Rooted in the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” SRP Federal Credit Union continues to invest in financial education across the communities it serves. In addition to Pacer $mart, SRP offers a variety of educational resources, including seminars, counseling, school visits, and more.
About SRP
SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 196,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.
SRP Federal Credit Union Launches Thomson High School Affinity Debit Card
posted on
April 1, 2025
Thomson, GA – Thomson High School has joined SRP Federal Credit Union’s growing Affinity Debit Card Program, an initiative that helps fund local education across Georgia and South Carolina.
Featuring the school’s black and gold logo and a unique brick pattern background, the Thomson High School Affinity Debit Card’s design honors the history and tradition of the Thomson Bulldogs.
"We are so pleased to partner with SRP Federal Credit Union in creating the new Thomson High School Affinity Debit Card,” said Dr. Mychele Rhodes, McDuffie County Superintendent of Schools. “The funds raised from this program will provide recognition for deserving Thomson High School students, encouraging them to achieve their academic goals."
The SRP Affinity Debit Card Program began in 2018 to help strengthen high schools with funding. Every time an SRP member makes a purchase with an Affinity Debit Card, SRP donates to the school designated on the card.
The addition of Thomson High School brings the total number of participating schools to 46, and each school’s Affinity Card features a unique design with school colors and logos.
Since its launch, the program has provided over $2 million in funding for public, charter, and private high schools in eight CSRA counties.
Participating schools have full discretion over how they use the Affinity donations, allowing them to allocate funds wherever they are needed most. These unrestricted funds have supported a wide range of needs, including computers, team uniforms, teacher certifications, student incentives, school equipment, and more.
Committed to the credit union philosophy of People Helping People, SRP Federal Credit Union remains committed to enhancing the communities it serves and uplifting local education through initiatives like the Affinity Debit Card Program.
About SRP
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 Foundation and SRP Team Members Provide New Shoes for Oakwood-Windsor Elementary Students
posted on
March 25, 2025
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.
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.
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