MODESTO, Calif. — Community Trust Credit Union recently received a $20,000 grant from the Richard Myles Johnson Foundation to support its financial literacy program for low-income youth in the East Palo Alto area.

Community Trust CU opened a branch, Community Trust Credit Union of East Palo Alto, in the underserved area in December 2007 after joining with the Northern California Urban Development Corp. and several area credit unions. NCUDC has since partnered with El:Vate, a national group that has developed a program, Economis, for young people aged seven to 18. The hands-on program combines life and consumer survival skills with community service. Students participate in virtual earning, spending and savings activities, tutoring, mentoring, and youth leadership.

The curriculum will now include credit unions as a choice for financial services needs as part of the expansion of the project. With the grant, NCUDC's youth program manager will oversee the project, monitor the progress and assist with program management.