BVU, Citizens Community Credit Union Connect Through Strategic Partnership
Through a collaboration with Buena Vista University, Citizens Community Credit Union offers educational benefits to its employees and their eligible family members.
Buena Vista University (BVU) and Citizens Community Credit Union have aligned as Strategic Partners, providing new opportunities to transform the communities both entities serve.
This partnership allows for employees of Citizens Community Credit Union, as well as eligible family members of full-time employees, to receive grant funding to lower the overall cost per credit hour while enrolled in BVU’s convenient online undergraduate programs or the organizational leadership graduate program. Partner grant funding also lowers the cost of education for students enrolled in classes at BVU’s Storm Lake campus.
“As a credit union, we believe in empowering people to achieve their goals. This partnership reflects the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” by removing financial barriers to higher education for our employees and their families,” says Jen Crimmins SVP/Chief Administrative Officer. “Whether someone is earning a degree, advancing their career or pursuing a new opportunity, we're proud to support their journey. The investment in our team ultimately benefits our members through enhanced expertise, stronger leadership and exceptional service.”
Citizens Community Credit Union's main office is located in Fort Dodge, with seven additional branch locations in Algona, Belmond, Estherville, the Hy-Vee branch in Fort Dodge, Lake Mills, Spirit Lake, and Storm Lake. They currently employ 65 team members, including 56 full-time employees and 9 part-time employees.
For more than 85 years, Citizens Community Credit Union has consistently provided its members and their families with a full-service financial institution that they can trust in. They offer checking and savings accounts, debit and credit cards, personal and auto loans, mortgages, refinancing, CDs and IRAs, online & mobile banking and more.
BVU has long enjoyed strong educational ties in and around Fort Dodge, home to Iowa Central Community College, a campus that has collaborated with BVU for decades. Students enrolled in a program through Iowa Central can seamlessly transfer their credits toward their bachelor’s degree at BVU. Students receive personalized support including admissions and enrollment counseling and academic advising right in Fort Dodge through BVU’s office on the Iowa Central campus.
“We're excited to partner with Citizens Community Credit Union to invest in the continued growth and success of its employees and their families," says BVU Director of Strategic Partnerships Laura Todd. "Citizens Community Credit Union's dedication to supporting professional development and expanding educational opportunities reflects Buena Vista University's commitment to making higher education accessible and meaningful. Together, we're helping employees achieve their academic and career goals while building a stronger workforce and enhancing the exceptional service the credit union provides to its members and communities."
For more information about BVU’s Strategic Partnerships and partner opportunities, please visit the BVU website at bvu.edu/strategic-partnerships or contact Strategic Partnerships at StrategicPartnerships@bvu.edu.