MSGCU Awards $45K in Classroom Cash Grants to Local Teachers

Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union (MSGCU) awarded more than $45,000 to 64 educators from 54 schools across the Metro Detroit area through its 2023 Classroom Cash Grants program.

Each teacher is receiving a grant worth up to $750 to help implement innovative learning experiences that foster students’ exploration, independent thinking, and problem solving in the classroom. Teachers submitted creative project ideas that will enhance their curriculum in various subjects, including math, science, literacy, social and emotional learning, and physical education. As one of the many programs MSGCU delivers to support community members, the Classroom Cash Grants initiative has funded nearly 1,200 unique projects since it launched 18 years ago.

“While anyone in Michigan can bank with us, our heritage is rooted in education. MSGCU values the important work teachers do every day and we’re proud to help them bring enriching learning opportunities to their students,” said CEO Steve Brewer. “Providing grants to local teachers allows us to contribute to classrooms in the communities we serve and ensure educators have the resources they need to conduct innovative academic projects.”

Classroom Cash Grants winners are determined based on total votes cast by students, parents, colleagues, family members, and friends. More than 108,000 votes were cast during the 11-day public online voting period this year. The program is open annually to all teachers in the communities MSGCU serves and applications are accepted starting in early September.

Teachers use the MSGCU grant funds to bring fun and interesting lessons to their students. For example, this year, an educator at Power Middle School in Farmington Hills will purchase 3D printers to use in an eighth-grade science class. Students will create 3D models that will help them visualize complex ideas like the physics of roller coasters. A teacher at Peace Lutheran School in Utica will integrate technology into the music classroom by purchasing various tools for teaching students how to write code and program a robot to move and play a composition.

The credit union also helps local teachers by providing free financial education through in-person and virtual classroom presentations, low-rate classroom loans, and the Milo Perreault Educator Advantage Scholarship for continuing education.