Suncoast Credit Union Boosts Local Students with $24,750 Donation

Union County, Florida, USA - The vibrant pulse of character education in Lee County has received a significant boost thanks to a generous donation from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. On June 9, 2025, it was reported that the Foundation provided a charitable gift of $24,750 to the Southwest Florida Council’s Learning for Life program. This funding is earmarked to reach over 12,000 students in Lee County schools, predominantly in Title I schools, focusing on instilling essential character traits through educational initiatives.

Melisa Giovannelli, the Vice President Chair of Learning for Life, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the partnership with Suncoast Credit Union. She remarked, „This support enables us to continue our mission of enhancing students‘ self-confidence, motivation, and self-esteem through age-appropriate lesson plans.“ Bob Hyde, Vice President of Impact for Suncoast Credit Union, emphasized the crucial role that character education plays in shaping the lives of young people, a sentiment that resonates deeply in today’s rapidly changing world.

Empowering Future Generations

Since being established in 1991, Learning for Life has operated as a non-profit organization, dedicated to preparing youth for ethical decision-making and leadership. The program focuses on career development and personal growth, providing valuable life skills that empower students to achieve their full potential. According to Learning for Life, the goal is straightforward yet powerful: to teach positive character traits that help youth navigate life’s challenges effectively (Learning for Life).

This initiative aligns well with broader efforts across the nation to strengthen character formation among youth. For instance, Lilly Endowment Inc. recently announced the allocation of $195 million in grants to eight national youth-serving organizations as part of its „Character Development Through Youth Programs“ initiative. This funding aims to create, implement, and sustain practices that bolster character education within various youth programs. Such backing illustrates a nationwide commitment to fostering character in the younger generation (Lilly Endowment).

Continual Growth and Integration

The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has long been invested in children’s education, health, and emotional well-being. Each time a member uses their debit or credit card, the foundation donates two cents to local initiatives, contributing to crucial funding for character education, among other projects. Since its inception in 1990, this innovative approach has generated over $45 million to support a myriad of local initiatives.

Learning for Life’s approach synergizes with national trends aimed at enhancing youth character development. As highlighted by the Lilly Endowment, funding is directed towards research, enhanced training for educators and volunteers, and improved program delivery. With organizations like Learning for Life receiving dedicated support, there’s a clear commitment to the significant impact of character education on today’s youth.

As we witness the unfolding effects of these initiatives, it’s clear that the partnership between local foundations and educational programs is vital for nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. The contributions from the Suncoast Credit Union not only power the Learning for Life program through the 2025-2026 school year but also represents a broader, community-centered effort to instill values that will serve our youth well throughout their lives.