Tag: Education

SRP scholarship winners join their mothers and current and former SRP leadership

SRP Federal Credit Union Celebrates Academic Excellence with Student Scholarships

posted on

July 27, 2026

North Augusta, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union awarded the Ed Templeton Scholarship and the Larry Pridemore Scholarship to two students, recognizing their academic achievements and community involvement during a celebration held on Thursday, July 23.

 

Awarded each year to students of SRP employees, the scholarships pay tribute to the enduring legacy of two influential figures who helped shape SRP Federal Credit Union. The awards are named in honor of former SRP President Ed Templeton and longtime board member Larry Pridemore.

 

Cameron Green, son of SRP I.T. Systems Administrator Shadavia Green, received the $2,500 Ed Templeton Scholarship. Cameron recently graduated from Silver Bluff High School, where he was actively involved in a variety of extracurricular activities. Among them were football, track and field, the National Beta Club, and the Success Team Youth Council. Cameron will attend the University of South Carolina this fall to study electrical engineering.

 

Jackson Kirkbride, son of SRP Manager of Card Services Jenny Kirkbride, received the $1,000 Larry Pridemore Scholarship. At Fox Creek High School, Jackson was also actively involved in many extracurricular activities serving as drum major, participating in drama, Bible study, worship team and the National Beta Club. Jackson will attend Winthrop University in the fall to study music technology and build a strong foundation in audio engineering, recording, and production.

 

SRP Federal Credit Union selected scholarship winners based on a variety of criteria, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement, leadership roles, employment experience, honors, and awards.

 

Committed to supporting the bright academic futures of students connected to the SRP family, SRP Federal Credit Union is proud to recognize these outstanding scholarship recipients and wishes them continued success as they pursue their educational goals this fall.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union is headquartered in North Augusta, South Carolina, and provides a full range of financial services to more than 200,000 members. SRP serves the banking needs of individuals, families, and businesses across 10 counties in Georgia and South Carolina. Recognized for its commitment to member service and community impact, SRP was recently named Best-In-State Credit Union in Georgia by Forbes and one of America’s Best Credit Unions in South Carolina by Newsweek. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

 
 
Crayons, notebooks, backpacks, and other school supplies fill a conference room at SRP Federal Credit Union. SRP employees donated the supplies for the United Way Stuff the Bus campaign.

SRP Ambassadors Support Local K-12 Students in United Way’s Stuff the Bus Drive

 
 

posted on

July 23, 2026

Augusta, GA – Through donated school supplies and volunteer efforts, SRP Federal Credit Union employees, known internally as ambassadors, made a meaningful impact during United Way of the CSRA's 2026 Stuff the Bus school supply drive. United Way's annual Stuff the Bus campaign collects school supplies to help local K–12 students begin the school year with the tools they need to succeed.

 

Backpacks, notebooks, art supplies, writing utensils, calculators, and more filled donation bins at SRP's branches and administrative campus throughout the July drive. The company-wide initiative concluded with a volunteer day at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, where SRP ambassadors sorted, labeled, and packed school supplies for distribution to local K–12 students.

 

“We are incredibly grateful to SRP Federal Credit Union for showing what true community partnership looks like,” said Brittany Burnett, President and CEO of United Way of the CSRA. “Their team didn’t just give—they showed up, volunteered, and helped make Stuff the Bus a success for so many of our local students. Because of SRP, children across our community will start the school year with the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed. We are so grateful for SRP for investing in their future.”

SRP CEO Liz Ponder sorts school supplies.
SRP CEO Liz Ponder works alongside fellow SRP executives to pack boxes full of school supply donations. SRP ambassadors donated a variety of school supplies for all K-12 grade levels.

SRP Community Impact Manager Lonzo Smith, whose team organized SRP’s efforts, said every donation helps relieve some of the financial pressure families experience during the back-to-school season.

 

“For SRP, Stuff the Bus is about making sure local students start the school year feeling prepared, confident, and ready to learn,” said Smith. “As a community-focused credit union, we understand that something as simple as a backpack, notebook, or pack of pencils can make a big difference for a family. This campaign gives us an opportunity to come together as employees, ambassadors, members, and neighbors to invest in the future of our community's children.”

 

Guided by the credit union philosophy of People Helping People, SRP Federal Credit Union is committed to uplifting education across the 10 counties it serves. Smith said the Stuff the Bus campaign demonstrated a strong spirit of generosity among SRP ambassadors.

 

“When hundreds of people come together for a common cause, the impact ripples throughout the community,” said Smith. “Students benefit, families benefit, teachers benefit, and ultimately, our entire community is stronger because we're helping create opportunities for young people to thrive.”

SRP Human Resources Manager Jennifer Turman helps pack school supply donations for delivery to the Salvation Army Kroc Center Augusta, where United Way sorted donations for distribution.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union is headquartered in North Augusta, South Carolina, and provides a full range of financial services to more than 200,000 members. SRP serves the banking needs of individuals, families, and businesses across 10 counties in Georgia and South Carolina. Recognized for its commitment to member service and community impact, SRP was recently named Best-In-State Credit Union in Georgia by Forbes and one of America’s Best Credit Unions in South Carolina by Newsweek. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

 
 
SRP representatives join the Edgefield County Board of Education and Strom Thurmond High School principal in a check presentation ceremony.

Strom Thurmond High School receives over $39,000 from SRP Affinity Debit Card Program

 
 

posted on

June 11, 2026

Johnston, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union leaders presented the Edgefield County Board of Education with a ceremonial check for nearly $40,000 at the board meeting on Tuesday, June 9, reflecting a year of support for Strom Thurmond High School in the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program.

 

Totaling $39,403.80, the donation represents the program’s 2025 proceeds for STHS—bringing the school’s lifetime proceeds to nearly $200,000.

 

SRP Federal Credit Union launched the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program in 2018 to help support local high schools with funding. The program has expanded since its inception to include 45 high schools, as well as Augusta Technical College, across the CSRA.

 

Every time an SRP member uses an SRP Affinity Debit Card, the credit union donates funds to the school designated on the card. Schools have full discretion over the funds, allowing them to address a variety of needs. Past donations have supported technology upgrades, team uniforms, school equipment, teacher certifications, and more.

 

Kristin Risher, principal of STHS, said receiving funding support through the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program gives the school the flexibility to innovate and support crucial programs and resources.

 

"These funds directly impact our daily culture by powering our R.E.B.S. Rewards student incentive program, supporting staff development and recognition to ensure high-quality instruction daily, providing critical resources for families in poverty, and helping to continue the forward movement of our unique career academy model to provide career-related experiences that reach beyond classroom walls,” said Risher. “The SRP Affinity Debit Card Program isn't just funding our school; it is actively investing in our future!"

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union is headquartered in North Augusta, South Carolina, and provides a full range of financial services to more than 200,000 members. SRP serves the banking needs of individuals, families, and businesses across 10 counties in Georgia and South Carolina. Recognized for its commitment to member service and community impact, SRP was recently named Best-In-State Credit Union in Georgia by Forbes and one of America’s Best Credit Unions in South Carolina by Newsweek. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

 
SRP employees who graduated from Augusta Technical College's Banking & Finance Bootcamp stand in front of an Augusta Tech step-and-repeat background.

SRP Ambassadors Complete Banking and Finance Bootcamp at Augusta Technical College

 
 

posted on

November 3, 2025

Augusta, GA – Five SRP Federal Credit Union employees graduated from the October 2025 cohort of Augusta Technical College’s Banking & Finance Bootcamp, a 10-day continuing education course that equips students with foundational knowledge in the banking and finance industry.

 

Sponsored by SRP Federal Credit Union and other financial institutions, the bootcamp includes topics such as business math, banking basics, commercial banking, lending, business ethics, banking jobs and careers, and more.

 

SRP Ambassadors Patrice Bethea, Michael Clennett, Trevinte Dawson, Abel De Jesus, and Marley Sleister completed the program, where they enjoyed learning alongside professionals from fellow financial institutions.

 

Clennett, who works in SRP Federal Credit Union’s Community Development department, said the bootcamp exposed him to the vast potential for learning and growth within the finance sector.

 

“As the only non-banking SRP Ambassador at the bootcamp, it was great to meet and learn from others who work in the branches. They do incredible work supporting SRP members every day, and I gained valuable insight into their roles. I learned just as much from my colleagues as I did from the bootcamp itself,” said Clennett.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 199,000 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.

Representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union and the Lincoln County Community Partnership, Inc. celebrate SRP's donation of $6,000 with a ceremonial check.

SRP Federal Credit Union Donates $6,000 to Fund Early Literacy in Lincoln County

posted on

September 25, 2025

Lincolnton, GA – SRP Federal Credit Union contributed $6,000 to the Lincoln County Community Partnership, Inc. (LCCP)’s Early Literacy Program in a special check presentation on Sept. 24 at the Walker T. Norman Gymnasium.


The program, which aims to maintain and expand access to early literacy resources, delivers monthly age-appropriate books to local children ages 0-5 through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.


SRP’s donation will help support another year of the program, fostering early literacy and foundational brain development for young children in Lincoln County.


“We are so appreciative of this grant from SRP,” said Lisa Cox Davis, LCCP Family Connections Coordinator. “We are currently serving approximately 190 children each month. We are adding more children monthly due to the generosity of SRP. This grant is helping to make a difference in the children of our community.”


Guided by the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” SRP Federal Credit Union is dedicated to uplifting education throughout its 10-county service area. In addition to helping fund initiatives like LCCP’s Early Literacy Program, SRP has donated over $2 million to schools in the CSRA through its Affinity Debit Card Program.


“We are honored to support Lincoln County by providing early literacy resources,” said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union. “Helping local families lay a strong foundation for their children’s success is meaningful way we can give back to the communities we proudly serve. Good things are happening at SRP!”

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 199,000 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.

Joined by Larry Pridemore and Ed Templeton, the recipients of the scholarships, their families, and SRP leaders gather for a reception.

SRP Federal Credit Union Awards Two Scholarships for Children of Employees

posted on

August 21, 2025

North Augusta, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union has awarded a total of $3,500 in academic scholarships to the children of two team members, recognizing their outstanding academic achievements and community involvement during a check presentation ceremony held on August 13.


The Ed Templeton Scholarship and Larry Pridemore Scholarship, named in honor of the former SRP president and member of SRP’s Board of Directors respectively, are awarded annually to children of SRP Federal Credit Union employees.


Presslie Stevens, daughter of Edgefield Assistant Branch Manager Jennifer Stevens, received the $2,500 Ed Templeton Scholarship. Presslie is an incoming first-year student at the University of South Carolina, where she plans to major in pharmaceutical science.

Three people pose with a ceremonial check.
Presslie Stevens joins her mother, Jennifer Stevens, and former SRP President Ed Templeton in celebration of her $2,500 academic scholarship.


Emily Benton, daughter of Loss Mitigation Specialist Amy Benton, received the $1,000 Larry Pridemore Scholarship. Emily, who aspires to become a physical therapist, plans to major in exercise and sports science with a concentration in allied health at the University of South Carolina Aiken.

Four people hold a ceremonial check.
Emily Benton, alongside her family members, joins former SRP Board of Directors Member Larry Pridemore in celebration of her $1,000 academic scholarship.


Scholarship recipients were selected based on a variety of criteria, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement, leadership roles, employment experience, honors, and awards.


“It is a tremendous honor to award these scholarships to the children of our dedicated team members,” said Liz Ponder, CEO of SRP Federal Credit Union. “Congratulations to Presslie and Emily. We wish them continued success as they begin their studies this fall.”

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 198,000 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 team members Michael Clennett and Heather Hirschman promote the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program and give away SRP swag items at Midland Valley Christian Academy,

SRP Federal Credit Union Promotes Academic and Financial Success at Local Back-to-School Events

 
 

posted on

August 1, 2025

North Augusta, SC – As students in the CSRA return for the 2025-2026 school year, SRP Federal Credit Union has distributed thousands of school supplies and provided valuable financial information to help local students prepare for a bright future.

 

SRP team members have contributed nearly 100 volunteer hours at back-to-school events in communities across SRP’s 10-county service area in Georgia and South Carolina, engaging with students, families, and educators at over 25 schools and organizations.

 

Alongside school supplies and fun SRP swag items, SRP team members promoted the Credit Union’s youth checking and savings accounts, designed to introduce young members to money management and financial responsibility.

 

Students and families also received information about SRP Affinity Debit Cards, which allow members to help fund local schools with every purchase. SRP Federal Credit Union has donated over $2 million to 45 high schools and Augusta Technical College Foundation since the program’s inception in 2018.

 

In addition to volunteering at local back-to-school events, SRP team members recently contributed school supplies and volunteer hours to United Way of the CSRA’s Stuff the Bus collection drive, helping students in Richmond, Columbia, and Burke counties prepare for a successful school year.

 

“SRP is guided by the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People,’” said Grace Helms, Associate Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Community Development of SRP Federal Credit Union. “We are proud of all the opportunities we’ve taken to help local students start the school year ready to learn, from providing school supplies to assisting with great financial beginnings.”

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 198,000 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 team members and guests pose for a group photo inside the Salvation Army Kroc Center of Augusta, where they volunteered to sort, label, and pack school supplies for United Way's Stuff the Bus drive.

SRP Federal Credit Union Supports United Way’s Back-to-School Drive

 
 

posted on

July 28, 2025

Augusta, GA – SRP Federal Credit Union supported United Way of the CSRA’s 2025 Stuff the Bus drive, contributing school supplies and volunteer hours to the back-to-school program that provides bookbags, notebooks, art supplies, and more for local K-12 students.

 

SRP’s company-wide initiative included collection boxes in branches and at its administrative campus, as well as volunteering to organize and pack school supplies at the Salvation Army Kroc Center of Augusta.

 

United Way of the CSRA’s Stuff the Bus collection drive distributes school supplies to students in Richmond, Columbia, and Burke counties and surrounding areas in the CSRA. SRP joined several local companies and organizations in supporting the campaign, including the Augusta Greenjackets at SRP Park.

 

Among the hardworking SRP team members who volunteered to sort, label, and pack school supplies was Community Development Representative Yvonne Meeks, who serves on the Executive Committee of United Way of the CSRA’s Board of Directors. She said she is proud of the work SRP employees contributed to the Stuff the Bus.

 

“Many families in our communities have to make the tough decision of: ‘Do we buy groceries this week, or school supplies?’” said Meeks. “These donations ease that financial burden for at least 900 families in the three-county area.”

 

SRP Federal Credit Union, guided by the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” is committed to uplifting education across the 10 counties it serves. SRP is proud to support local students and educators through programs like United Way’s Stuff the Bus.

Three SRP employees stand behind a table covered with school supplies.
SRP team members take a short break from sorting, labeling, and packing school supplies. SRP Federal Credit Union supported United Way of the CSRA's Stuff the Bus collection drive through donations and volunteership.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 198,000 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 representatives Shana Reid, Luis Alejandro, and Greg Gibson join Catherine Center, VP of Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta, and Christian Center OasisVIP Multicultural Church Pastor Angel Maestre with a ceremonial check for $25,000 to help fund the Oasis Club Summer Camp.

SRP Federal Credit Union Helps Fund Summer Camp for Members of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta

posted on

June 10, 2025

Augusta, GA – SRP Federal Credit Union and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta celebrated the start of summer with a check presentation surrounded by staff and youth served at a South Augusta Club. SRP presented Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta with a check for $25,000 to support Summer Camp at the Oasis Club. 

 

“We are incredibly thankful for SRP’s continued support of our organization and for their relentless commitment to helping youth in our community,” said Kim Evans, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta.

 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta provides after school and summer programming to over 6,900 youth every year. Summer camp at the Oasis Club includes six weeks of programming based on a variety of themes and includes field trips, healthy meals and snacks, sports programming and outdoor activities, and academic support during the summer months.

 

“At SRP Federal Credit Union, we are committed to the credit union philosophy of 'People Helping People.' We strive to strengthen the communities we serve, and we are proud to help local students build a strong foundation for academic and financial success through programs like the Oasis Club Summer Camp," said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union.

 

Summer Camp is critical to mitigating learning loss, providing youth with a safe environment in which they can grow, and providing parents and guardians the care their families need when school is not in session.

 

The Oasis Club serves a predominantly Hispanic population in Augusta, and its location and partnership with Christian Center OasisVIP Multicultural Church is pivotal to its success in the community. Pastor Angel Maestre works closely with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta leadership to ensure the needs of the local community are being met and families have access to the wraparound services provided by the organization.

 

“God is good, and the Bible says that when two or more get together in agreement things like this could happened! I have seen that when BGCGA came to be partner with the vision that God had put in my heart, things started to move on the right direction, the direction to bless the kids in our community,” said Pastor Angel Maestre.

 

For more information or to request an interview, please contact Catherine Center at (706) 504-4071 ext. 221 or ccenter@bgcgreateraugusta.org.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta

The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The vision is to provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors where all members will be on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle. 

 

To accomplish this, Boys & Girls Clubs programs offer a variety of daily activities tailored to achieve intended outcomes, delivered using age appropriate, research-based curriculum. Program activities are centered on the following key components of youth development, including college and career readiness: 

  • Character & Leadership Development
  • The Arts
  • Life and Workforce Readiness
  • Health & Life Skills
  • Sports, Fitness, and Recreation
  • STEM

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta serves over 6,900 youth annually across the Greater Augusta Area in Richmond, Columbia, McDuffie, Hancock, and Washington Counties.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 197,000 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.

Representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union present the Edgefield County Youth Empowerment Center with a check funding the organization's summer STEAM program.

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.

1070 Edgefield Road North Augusta
South Carolina 29860

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Good things are happening at SRP