Steven Pierce Graduates from Foundation’s Virtual DE Program!

Congratulations to the new Credit Union Development Educator from Black Hills Federal Credit Union! 

​Steven Pierce, Digital Services Manager from Black Hills Federal Credit Union (Rapid City, SD) was recently designated as a Credit Union Development Educators (CUDE).  Forty-eight credit union leaders completed this virtual session of the National Credit Union Foundation’s training that was held March 15 – April 9, 2021.  The virtual class was completed by employees and volunteers from credit unions and system partners across the United States credit union movement.
 
DE Training is a unique experiential training program that provides lessons in credit union structure, purpose and the “why” that differentiates credit unions from other financial institutions.  Pierce says of the experience, "The CUDE Program took us on a tremendous journey back to the origins of the credit union movement.  And along the way, we discovered how the cooperative principles – especially concern for our communities – are more relevant than ever to personally serve each of our members financial needs."
 
During the Foundation’s signature program, participants engage in small and large group exercises and interactive speaker sessions focused on the credit union difference, development issues, and empathy.  Each lesson provides insights into how credit unions can leverage their unique business model to help their members and communities overcome the financial and developmental issues they face.  The program was facilitated by Chad Helminak, the Director of DE and Cooperative Culture at the Foundation, assisted by Kalli Shelton from the Foundation and coordinated by Maggie Wolff from the Foundation.
 
Interested in Attending DE Training?
Fall 2021 DE Training dates will be announced soon! Email us at cude@ncuf.coop to be put on a notification list to stay up to date on upcoming 2021 registration information, or click here for additional information.
 
Since 1982, more than 1,900 credit union advocates from over 35 countries have graduated from DE Training to become Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs). Once they earn their CUDE designation, people return to their jobs with a sense of personal enrichment and renewed energy to share what they have learned. This growing corps of credit union advocates devotes professional and volunteer time to spreading the credit union message to audiences throughout the country. For more information on the DE program, visit www.ncuf.coop.

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