DFCU Financial Promotes Green Education

DEARBORN, Mich. – For DFCU Financial, educating youth takes many forms-including a green thumb. The $1.6 billion credit union has sponsored a hands-on science education program called TreeKeepers Kids organized by the non-profit organization The Greening of Detroit. The TreeKeepers Kids Program is an integrated, hands-on environmental education program that has students working to beautify their own schoolyard. As part of the program, some 600 inner-city Thirkell Elementary School students with the help of adult volunteers and The Greening plant flowers and clean up the educational garden. DFCU Financial has also made an $18,000, three-year commitment to the school as part of its mission to support education in the communities where its members work and live. Some $10,000 of the funds will be used for student programs, building repairs, equipment or to help fund a much-needed floor replacement for the 103-year-old school. The remaining $8,000 will keep the TreeKeeper Kids program going over the next three years. According to DFCU Financial President/CEO Mark Shobe, the partnership serves as “an excellent example of how businesses can work with the community to provide unique educational opportunities for students.” “At DFCU Financial, we recognize that a sound education is the best way we can prepare youth to reach their full potential as responsible adults,” Shobe said. “The Greening of Detroit has a successful history of giving students in Detroit the education and the opportunity to have a positive impact on their environment by planting and caring for gardens. We’re pleased to fund this hands-on life science project that helps students build self-esteem and pride in their accomplishments as they put sweat equity into improving their school grounds.” The Greening of Detroit is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of Detroit’s citizens by guiding and inspiring the reforestation of the city’s neighborhoods, boulevards and parks. It is committed to the re-greening of what was once known as the “City of Trees,” and to educating the city’s residents and visitors.