ONTARIO, Calif.–With support from nearly 60 credit unions and partners across the state, California’s Credit Unions is reporting it reached its $1 million endowment goal to support the California State University in DC program, which it called “an investment in the next generation of public policy professionals.”
According to the organization, by reaching the $1 million mark, the endowment and the California league’s partnership with the CSU program will permanently generate up to 12 scholarships annually to offset the high cost of living for students interning in the nation’s capital. Each scholarship is valued at $2,500, with the league saying they will aid in the development of “impactful future leaders” on Capitol Hill.
‘Stepping Up’
“Hitting this $1 million goal is a testament to what we can achieve when the California credit union movement steps up to invest in their communities, students, and the future of Capitol Hill leadership,” Stephanie Cuevas, senior vice president of federal advocacy for California’s Credit Unions, said in a statement. “We are honored and want to thank every credit union leader and industry partner for helping us successfully reach our goal.”
The organization said the achievement was made possible by a “surge of support” from credit union leaders over the past few weeks. “While the initial pledge goal was November 2025, the movement rallied through the winter to close the final $75,000 gap — a landmark moment after a months-long statewide campaign,” it added.
‘More Than an Internship’
The California State University in DC program is more than an internship, according to California’s Credit Unions. “For many, it’s the gateway to opportunity, helping develop young college minds and talent into future public policy leaders,” the league said. “In fact, 73% of participants are first-generation college students, often coming from modest means. Students who participate in the program receive college credit that counts toward graduation.”
The league said credit unions realize the importance of aiding entry-level positions on Capitol Hill while telling the movement’s story.
“While not every intern becomes a congressional staffer, nearly every current staffer once began their journey as an intern,” it stated. “If credit unions can help these young leaders succeed academically and professionally, it’s just one more example of staying true to their not-for-profit mission to support local members and communities.”
‘Proven’ Effect
California’s Credit Unions added that the California State University in D.C. program has “already proven its impact,” and that college graduates have ascended to senior advisor roles within the U.S. House of Representatives, Senate, Treasury Department, and the White House.
With its $1 million goal achieved, California’s Credit Unions said it can now replicate the program’s success across California State University campuses. The scholarships will begin supporting students as early as the next academic year — guaranteeing that as long as there are decisions being made in Washington, D.C, there will be leaders who understand the “people helping people” mission.
The Sponsors
- 1st United
- Altura Credit Union
- Arrowhead CU
- Bay Federal CU
- Calcom CU
- California CU
- California’s Credit Unions
- Chaffey CU
- Coast Central Credit Union
- County Schools
- CU SoCal
- Delta Schools
- Desert Valleys
- Eagle Community CU
- EECU
- Farmers Insurance
- Financial Partners
- First City CU
- First Entertainment
- First Tech
- Frontwave CU
- Golden 1
- Inland Valley CU
- Kaiperm CU
- Keypoint
- Kinecta
- La Loma FCU
- LBS Financial
- Logix CU
- Los Angeles Federal Credit Union
- Meriwest CU
- Mission City FCU
- Mission FCU
- Mocse CU
- Monterra CU
- Noble FCU
- Nuvision
- Ocean Air
- Organized Labor CU
- Origence
- Pacific Service
- Parishioners CU
- Patelco
- Premier America
- Redwood CU
- Rize CU
- Rogue CU
- Santa Barbara CU
- SchoolsFirst
- SESLOC
- Star One CU
- Tech CU
- Thinkwise CU
- Travis CU
- UNCLE CU
- Upward CU
- Valley Strong
- Velera
- Ventura County Credit Union
