In 'Keep Up The Good Work,' local leaders discuss their relationship with Washtenaw Community College. The following was contributed by University of Michigan Credit Union President & CEO Tiffany Ford.
Working together for our shared success is a central purpose at the University of Michigan Credit Union (UMCU) and our long-standing partnership with Washtenaw Community College (WCC) perfectly reflects that.
To help empower individuals in our community, we collaborate with WCC on an ongoing basis to enhance and expand access to financial education. For example, UMCU provides resources and information to participants during Free College Week, an annual event each spring offering free classes and events to community members. On campus, we're honored to be a trusted partner to many WCC staff and administrators, as we are invited to teach our Financial Fitness for College Students workshop at the Bailey Library, at student orientations, for academic classes and for various student groups.
We're also very proud of our unique partnership with WCC to provide affordable financiing options for students pursuing non-credit programs. These "Fast Track" professional programs provide essential job training for key careers in health care, web design, cybersecurity and much more. This program meets our joint commitment to eliminate barriers and provide access to the training and education needed for individuals to generate sustainable income with in-demand jobs. UMCU shares a common goal with WCC — we want Washtenaw County to grow and thrive, now and into the future!
As a board member at Ann Arbor SPARK along with WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca, I see first-hand how passionate she and other board members are about the need for innovative economic development — it's the engine that drives us forward.
WCC is much more than a college. It's a vibrant and inclusive organization that strengthens the fabric of the community by providing opportunities for people of all ages to learn, grow and achieve. On behalf of the 246 team members at UMCU, we thank you for your partnership and for all you do for our community. The future is bright!