Empowering Young Families and Supporting Students

Share This Post

Tech CU’s Community Impact with Shine Together and McMillan Elementary

At Tech CU, we believe that strong communities are built through education, opportunity, and meaningful support. This year, we were proud to partner with two organizations making a critical difference for young families and students: Shine Together, a Bay Area nonprofit that supports young mothers and their children, and McMillan Elementary, a Title I school in Idaho.

Building Confidence Through Education with Shine Together

Over the course of three months, Tech CU partnered with Shine Together to empower advocates and mentors supporting young mothers aged 13 to 25 with tools to strengthen their impact. Through the Tech CU Emerging Leader Program (ELP), Tech CU designed virtual educational sessions based on priorities identified by Shine Together staff, focusing on:

• Budgeting and credit knowledge
• Fraud awareness
• Career readiness and résumé building

As part of this initiative, Tech CU’s subject matter experts developed high-quality financial literacy and career readiness content, delivered through a series of eight handouts and worksheets created under a train-the-trainer model. These resources allow advocates to confidently continue providing support long after the sessions conclude.

The program was met with strong engagement. Every Shine Together advocate attended all sessions, demonstrating deep commitment to building financial confidence and long-term stability for the young families they serve.

In addition to the educational programming, Tech CU celebrated Shine Together’s work through in-person experiences at Tech CU Arena:

• November 15, 2025: Shine Together was honored as the Community Member of the Game during a San Jose Barracuda match and received proceeds from the fan-favorite Chuck-a-Puck fundraiser.
• November 20, 2025: Tech CU hosted Shine Together’s annual Friendsgiving, an evening of recognition, community building, and camaraderie.

These moments highlighted the strength, resilience, and leadership of young mothers in our community, and the advocates who stand beside them.

Removing Barriers to Learning at McMillan Elementary

In Idaho, Tech CU rallied employees and community members through the "Home to Homeroom" Donation Drive, benefiting students and teachers at McMillan Elementary. With Tech CU matching the generous contributions received, the initiative helped collect funds and essential supplies for students who often face challenges at school due to a lack of basic necessities.

Together, we gathered:

• 450+ breakfast bars
• 100+ beanies
• 70+ pairs of gloves
• Additional classroom and hygiene essentials

These everyday items make a meaningful difference for students-helping them start the day warm, nourished, and ready to learn.

A Shared Vision for Stronger Communities

From empowering young mothers with financial confidence to providing students with the essentials they need to thrive, these initiatives reflect Tech CU’s commitment to supporting families through education, economic stability, and community connection.

We’re honored to work alongside Shine Together and McMillan Elementary, who are focused on building stronger, brighter futures for the next generation.