KCCU's Third Annual Teacher Grant Program Gives Back to Local Teachers

For the third year in a row, Kellogg Community Credit Union (KCCU) offered its Teacher Grant Program and awarded teachers throughout West Michigan with grants for their classrooms.

KCCU understands that great educators are always seeking innovative ways to foster impactful learning experiences, and often use their own funds to purchase additional classroom supplies. The credit union wanted to offer support to these deserving educators, and did so by providing funds to 15 teachers, each of them receiving $400 to purchase classroom supplies. That is a total of $6,000 going back into local classrooms.

“At KCCU, we are committed to helping teachers who are educating our students and future leaders,” said CEO Tracy Miller. “We know that teachers work hard and put in a lot of time, and often their own money, to help their students learn and thrive. Our hope is with these grants, educators can get the tools and resources needed for their students to succeed in the classroom.”

“I love teaching because I love to share in the joy with other people, especially my students,” said Patti Kuenzel, third grade teacher at St. Joseph Elementary and recipient of a KCCU Teacher Grant. “I am going to use my grant money to purchase things like chair cushions, bouncy bands for those kids who have to keep moving their feet all day, and water bottle holders for their desks; all kinds of things to bring joy to the classroom."

“One of the things I love most about being an educator is being able to offer a safe and inclusive space for all students to be able to grow and learn,” said Erin Andrews, teacher at North Penn Elementary and recipient of a KCCU Teacher Grant. “I am going to use the grant money to purchase STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) supplies to help my students with problem solving and critical thinking skills.”