RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 11, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The member-funded SECU Foundation is teaming up with EducationNC (EdNC) to assist with the expansion and outreach of their innovative high school civics program, First Vote NC. The program teaches students the importance and mechanics of the voting process and provides an opportunity to participate in an authentic online simulated election. The Foundation’s $150,000 investment will help bring the program to teachers statewide over the next three years. SECU and Foundation representatives joined EducationNC officials in Fayetteville last week at Reid Ross Classical School, a First Vote NC participant, for the Foundation’s grant announcement and ceremonial check presentation.
EducationNC is a nonpartisan organization that provides an independent source of news, data and analysis about education for the people and state of North Carolina. First Vote NC offers participating public and charter high school teachers a free 20-module curriculum that includes the simulation election, issue-based questions, demographic data collection for post-election analysis, a lesson portfolio, and a private online discussion platform for teachers. More than 37,000 students statewide voted in the 2016 presidential and 2017 municipal election simulations.
“First Vote NC has been well-received by high school teachers who have incorporated the civics curriculum in their classrooms over the past two years,” remarked SECU Foundation Executive Director Jama Campbell. “As long-time advocates of education, SECU members recognize the significance and impact of helping students become more informed about the democratic process before legally exercising their right to vote at age 18. SECU Foundation is happy to support EdNC’s efforts to bring this election simulation program to students statewide.”
Hunter Buxton, Founder of First Vote NC was on hand to receive the Foundation’s grant and said, “The SECU Foundation has a long history of contributing to outstanding projects and organizations in North Carolina, which is why their support of First Vote NC is an especially proud moment for our effort. Everyone on the First Vote team looks forward to this partnership and ensuring teachers have what they need to prepare the next generation of North Carolinians to be civic ready and engaged.”
About SECU and the SECU Foundation
A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for 81 years. The Credit Union also offers a diversified line of financial advisory services including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trust and estate planning services, and investments through its partners and affiliated entities. SECU serves over 2.3 million members through 264 branch offices, nearly 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Member Services via phone and a website, www.ncsecu.org. The SECU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare and human services. Since 2004, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of more than $154 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c369853-6ece-42f1-b81c-48578b743dc5
Contact: Jama Campbell, Executive Director
Office: 919-839-5562 | secufoundation@ncsecu.org