SACRAMENTO, Calif.–Golden 1 Credit Union said it is expanding its partnership with California State University, Sacramento through a new four-year agreement that includes a $1 million investment aimed at supporting student success, financial education and basic-needs assistance programs.
According to Golden 1 Credit Union, the investment will support student orientation activities, move-in week programming and “Arrive to the Hive” events designed to help first-year, transfer and international students connect with the university community.
The $21-billion Golden 1 CU said the funding will also provide direct support for Sacramento State’s Basic Needs Resource Center, which assists students facing food insecurity, housing instability and other financial challenges that can affect academic performance and retention.
‘Deep Commitment’
“Golden 1 and Sacramento State share a deep commitment to student success and well-being,” Erica Taylor, senior vice president of community impact and public relations officer for Golden 1 Credit Union, said in a statement. “By expanding access to financial education, critical resources, and basic needs support, we’re helping students focus on what matters most – succeeding academically and preparing for their future.”
Golden 1 said Sacramento State serves more than 31,000 students annually, with 42% eligible for CalFresh assistance, underscoring the need for financial education and access to basic-needs services. The credit union said the university’s Basic Needs Resource Center averages more than 5,000 visits each month.
Builds on Earlier Support
According to Golden 1, the partnership builds on previous support provided to the university. In 2025, the credit union said it delivered a moving truck filled with donated supplies to the Basic Needs Resource Center, followed later in the year by an additional shipment of goods.
The credit union also said it has supported food and basic-needs programs across campuses within the California State University system during the past four years through Giving Tuesday initiatives.
Golden 1 said it expects to engage approximately 9,000 incoming first-year students and 4,000 transfer students through orientation sessions and campus programming scheduled during the summer and fall. Activities will include events at the credit union’s CSU Branch near the Sacramento State campus, according to the credit union.
According to Golden 1, the credit union has awarded nearly $5 million in scholarships to approximately 600 California students since launching its scholarship program in 2013.
Golden 1 has more than 1.1 million members across California.
