Columbia County high schools receive more than $100,000 from InRoads Credit Union

More than $103,000 is flowing to three Columbia County high schools this 2023-24 school year as part of InRoads Credit Union’s “Team Up for Schools” program.

The program uses special debit cards created for supporters of St. Helens, Scappoose and Rainier high schools.

Each time one of the school’s cards is used, five cents is donated to that school.

The St. Helens School District received the largest award amount, $52,736. Scappoose was allotted nearly $39,000 while Rainier received a little over $12,000.

The program, in its seventh year, has raised $535,351 for schools in the Columbia County area. Money raised assisted various school activities, such as field trips and educational programs.

“At its core, the Team Up for Schools program is about people helping people. We empower our members to have a direct impact on funds donated to their school of choice, simply by using their debit card as they normally would,” a statement from Inroads Credit Union said.

The credit union continued, “As a result, the program has not only enhanced educational opportunities for local students, but also fostered a stronger, more connected community. It’s inspiring to see the positive changes and the bright futures being shaped by our collective efforts.”

In a news release announcing the awards, Nathan Cox, president and CEO of InRoads, said, “The Team Up for Schools program embodies our mission to promote community wellness through learning and education.”

He continued, “Beyond donating, we also work with these schools to help educate students on healthy money management, which includes good practices that can extend toward other areas of their lives.”

According to InRoads, members with a checking account who live, work, attend school, volunteer or worship in Columbia, Clatsop, Cowlitz, Multnomah and Washington counties can sign up for the program at no additional cost to help support one of the three high schools.

InRoads Credit Union is a not-for-profit member-owned financial cooperative.