ABQ Times

Last week, Nusenda announced the winners of its 2024 Financial Education Innovation Award. The awards are a testament to Nusenda's ongoing commitment to strengthening communities and investing in solutions that enhance financial outcomes for future generations.

"Nusenda is excited to provide the Financial Education Innovation Awards to elevate educators and programs that prioritize financial capability," said Joe Christian, Nusenda President and CEO. "We are proud to fund innovative teachers and organizations who are working to provide a brighter future for students and our communities."

This year, the Credit Union awarded a total of $20,000: $15,000 to one organization and five $1,000 awards for classroom initiatives.

The MEN-THOR Program in Valencia County received $15,000. The program provides safe spaces for youth outside of school. "I was debating on offering a summer program this year, as we had no funds available to support it, and now I am setting the schedule of the activities we will have during our summer program and the next school year," said Lizeth Bustillo, Executive Director of the MEN-THOR Program. "This grant will support our operational expenses for projects, our summer program, and any immediate needs our youth may have."

David Bork from Cibola High School was awarded $1,000 for his work in building the Financial Literacy Program at Cibola High School over the past seven years.

Kendra Johnson and Jules Hoffman were awarded $1,000 for their collaboration through the Queen Bee Music Association where they create YouTube videos teaching basic financial wellness concepts to young learners.

Vanessa Mobley Knox from Family Ties NM also received a $1,000 award for her interactive activities designed to engage students through financial education workshops.

Michael Nair from Highland High School was awarded $1,000 for his efforts in teaching high school economics. He works with students on developing personal and business finance skills.

Rachel Feliciano, a teacher at Rio Rancho Public Schools, was awarded $1,000 for her work with juniors and seniors facing various challenges. She shares important lessons on banking, paychecks, rental agreements, car financing, credit, and more.

For more information and to find out when next year’s applications are open, visit the Nusenda Foundation webpage.

Nusenda Credit Union is New Mexico’s largest locally owned and operated credit union with over 260,000 members and more than 800 employees. It has more than 25 branches throughout New Mexico in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Taos, Valencia County, Socorro, Deming, and Las Cruces; as well as locations in El Paso, Texas. Connect with Nusenda Credit Union at www.nusenda.org; Facebook @NusendaCU; Twitter@NusendaCU; and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nusenda-credit-union.