Scott Credit Union Wins Prestigious America's Credit Union Awards for Social Impact and Financial Ed

Scott Credit Union Wins Prestigious America's Credit Union Awards for Social Impact and Financial Education
 
Edwardsville, IL – October 21, 2024 – Scott Credit Union (SCU) is proud to announce that it has been honored with three prestigious awards from America’s Credit Union. These awards—the Desjardins Financial Education Award, the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award, and the Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award—are a testament to SCU’s unwavering commitment to financial literacy, community service, and member support. The awards were announced in August 2024 and presented to SCU on October 4 at the Illinois Credit Union League’s Annual Convention in Chicago, Illinois. 
 
The Desjardins Financial Education Award recognizes SCU’s leadership in promoting financial literacy within the community. SCU was acknowledged for its "Who Knew? SCU" video series, which offers engaging, accessible content on important topics like student loans, improving credit scores, and avoiding financial scams.  Launched in 2023, the series has grown to more than 20 videos and continues to expand with monthly releases. SCU’s financial literacy website, blog posts, and partnerships with local organizations further amplify its educational impact, empowering individuals to make informed financial decisions. 
 
The Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award highlights Scott Credit Union’s commitment to giving back through its “80 Acts of Kindness” initiative. Launched to celebrate SCU’s 80th anniversary, the initiative surpassed expectations by completing 104 acts of kindness in 2023, addressing critical community needs in areas like food insecurity, education, and environmental sustainability. The initiative’s success inspired SCU to extend its efforts, with plans to complete 250 acts of kindness by calendar end of 2025. 
 
The Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award celebrates SCU’s dedication to enhancing members’ financial well-being. Scott Credit Union’s Down Payment Plus (DPP) program was recognized for helping lower-income members achieve homeownership by providing up to $10,000 in forgivable grants for closing costs. In 2023, the DPP program assisted 40 members in securing homes, further solidifying SCU’s commitment to financial inclusion. 
 
“We are incredibly honored to receive these prestigious awards,” said Frank Padak, President and CEO of Scott Credit Union. “Every day, we strive to make a positive impact in the communities we serve through financial education, meaningful community service, and member support. These awards reflect the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we are thrilled to be recognized for these efforts.” 
 
Scott Credit Union continues to lead by example, fostering financial empowerment and making a difference in the lives of its members and the communities it serves. 
 

Photo features Frank Padak (President and CEO of SCU), Tom Kane (President and CEO of Illinois Credit Union League), and Jasmin Smoot (Human Resources Administrator II at SCU)


 
Scott Credit Union is a full-service financial cooperative. When someone opens an account at the credit union, they become a member and an owner. Because of its structure, Scott Credit Union has given back millions of dollars to members through a bonus dividend and loan interest rebate over the years.
 
Scott Credit Union currently has 24 locations; 22 locations in metro St. Louis including: Affton, MO; Ballpark Village in St. Louis, MO; Belleville, IL (two branches); Breese, IL; Collinsville, IL; Columbia, IL; Crestwood, MO; Edwardsville, IL (two branches); Fairview Heights, IL; Ferguson, MO; Highland, IL; Ladue, MO; Lebanon, IL; Mascoutah, IL; O’Fallon, IL; Trenton, IL; Troy, IL; Scott Air Force Base in Illinois; Waterloo, IL; and Wood River, IL; and two branches in the Chicago area in Evergreen Park, IL; and at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.
 
For details on opening accounts at Scott Credit Union, visit www.scu.org. For more information on the Scott Credit Union Community Foundation visit https://www.scu.org/community-foundation.