On April 10, Altra Federal Credit Union and Community First Credit Union were honored as recipients of the Governor's Financial Literacy Awards along with nine other organizations and ten individuals at a ceremony in the Wisconsin State Capitol.
The 2025 Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards honored recipients in one of three categories, individual, organization, or legacy, for providing exceptional financial literacy and capability education in an inclusive and innovative manner. The legacy award is given to an organization, business, or individual whose purpose and heritage is ingrained in sustained financial literacy and capability efforts. This lifetime recognition is intended to be conferred only once to recipients.
Altra Federal Credit Union received an award in the organization category for their "Youth in Foster Care Financial Education Program." This program provides financial education, sole account ownership, resources, incentives, and mentorship to those in foster care and those who have recently aged out of the foster care system in the La Crosse area. By completing the program, participants receive a maximum of $500 in a checking account. The course has proven to increase knowledge by over 15% on average when comparing pre- and post-test scores.
Community First Credit Union received an award in the legacy category for their long-standing dedication to financial literacy effort, including launching a multilingual financial education program for immigrant and refugee adults, partnering with 26 schools across their region to support financial learning tailored to educator objectives, and maintaining a team of certified financial counselors at their branches.
“Financial education gives people the tools they need to achieve their goals, expand new opportunities, and help attain financial security for themselves and their families,” said Gov. Evers. “These dedicated individuals and organizations are doing important work to help Wisconsinites become more financially secure and prepare for their futures, which is a critical part of strengthening the financial well-being of our entire state. I thank these dedicated individuals and organizations for all they have done to help advance financial wellness in Wisconsin, and I congratulate them for receiving this prestigious award.”
The recipients were selected by the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and Capability from the nominations submitted for consideration. Criteria used to judge nominations included: innovative implementation of an effective financial literacy and capability program or program element within the last two years; emphasis on financial inclusion, demonstrated measurable results; collaboration with partners; and scalability of the program design.
Since 2006, Wisconsin's credit unions, their programs or people, or The League have been honored 55 times with Governor's Financial Literacy awards - with a deserving honoree award every single year.