Empowering our community
LADWP Women's Power Walk
LADWP Women's Luncheon
LADWP Linemans Rodeo
LADWP Women's Career & Wellness Fair
LADWP Clean Air Fair
The LADWP Community
2023 was another year of support and celebration for our field of membership—the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The credit union proudly sponsored LADWP’s 1st Annual Clean Air Fair where we hosted the Kona Ice truck on this sunny day, plus we raffled plants and some great gift baskets. Other exhibitors that WPCCU invited included BMW, Tesla, Volkswagen, Chevrolet and KIA dealerships who featured their latest electric and hybrid vehicles for sale.
This past year also brought three new Women’s History Month events in March by the LADWP Women’s Council. WPCCU proudly sponsored the International Women’s Day Luncheon, Women’s Career & Wellness Expo, and the Women’s LA Reservoir Power Walk. The credit union was the main sponsor for their catered luncheon, plus we held themed gift raffles with specialty giveaways for the women of LADWP when they visited our booths.
We also supported the LADWP ASPIRE Club events that support their Progress, Inclusion, Respect and Empowerment for employees. These events included celebrations of their AANHPI for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and more. We were also pleased to join in their annual events like the Wellness Fair, Safety Fair, the Water Division Tap Off Safety Fair and the Lineman’s Rodeo.
WPCCU community outreach
It’s our continued goal to carry out one of the guiding principles of all financial cooperatives—concern for our community. We have continually supported non-profits whose mission is to improve the lives of those communities we serve.
LADWP Science Bowl
LADWP Science Bowl
STEM students pave the way at the LADWP Science Bowl
WPCCU’s proudly supports the LADWP Science Bowl program each year, and is a key sponsor of their high-school student scholarship. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE), along with participating students, coaches, and high schools all gathered for the regional competition of the National Science Bowl at the John Ferraro Building in downtown Los Angeles on March 4, 2023. This was the 31st year of the annual program which began in 1993. The national finals happened at the end of April 2023 in Washington, D. C., where a team of middle school students from Fremont, California won the regional competition for the 2023 National Science Bowl.®
The Water and Power Community Credit Union Scholarship rewards went to the Second Place team, where each team member received a $700 scholarship and the 2nd place winning school received $2,500. This Science Bowl’s winning teams have among the best records of any region or state in the nation. Our regional championship teams have advanced to the national final rounds 15 times and have come away with five championships, five 2nd place triumphs, as well as two 3rd place, one 4th and 5th place trophies.
WPCCU is proud of the students who make it to the Science Bowl competitions, and we’ll continue to invest in the future of these young adults along with LADWP to help advance them into our workforce. This annual competition attracts the best and brightest students locally. Past participating students have gone on to some of the finest universities in the nation including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, and the University of California at Berkeley, UCLA and USC. Each year approximately 12,000 students from 1,800 high schools, and 40 states in more than 65 regional competitions participate in the Science Bowl Program. Since the program began nationally, more than 330,000 students have participated. This is an excellent opportunity to reach the leaders and potential employees of tomorrow in the fields of science, technology and innovation.
Attila Morgan (left), Thematic Learning Organization’s Director of Programing and James Washington (right), 2x Super Bowl Champion and founder of Shelter 37.
Aligning with non-profits that help young adults
Sometimes people just need a break. A helping hand reaching out at the right time can change peoples’ lives forever. This is why WPCCU continues to partner with the Thematic Learning Organization’s Director of Programing, Attila Morgan, and James Washington’s (2x Super Bowl Champion) non-profit, Shelter 37. These non-profit organizations deliver financial literacy programs as well as highly effective life skills, job training and education to disadvantaged youths in Southern California.
Joining forces to feed the community
WPCCU joined My Next Chapter and Inglewood Active Communities for an ongoing food drive in participation with Teaching Gardens (where produce is grown), and the American Heart Association. More than 300+ grocery bags full of produce and necessities are handed out at Highland Elementary in Inglewood. Free produce food boxes are available for pick-up each Friday to support the community.
SKECHERS Pier to Pier Friendship Walk
SKECHERS Pier to Pier Friendship Walk
On October 29, 2023 once again a team of WPCCU employees went the extra mile and walked in the Skechers’ Pier to Pier Friendship Walk in the beautiful South Bay. Every October thousands rally for a fun-filled celebration at the beach, where families and friends gather to walk from Manhattan Beach Pier to Hermosa Beach Pier and back in support of our children. Since 2009, the event has raised millions of dollars to support the Friendship Foundation benefiting children with special needs and public education. Co-produced by SKECHERS USA and the Friendship Foundation, it is the largest charity walk of its kind in California, and WPCCU is happy to be a part of it.
LACI Middle School Girls in STEM
LACI Middle School Girls in STEM
LACI Middle School Girls in STEM
Middle School Girls STEM Program Awarded 2023 Grant
WPCCU was excited to have been a contributor to LACI’s varied cohorts such as Women in Cleantech, the Middle School Girls in STEM the Annual Middle School Girls STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Program, Green Jobs Fellowship, and more. These programs focus on advancing female founders and economically disadvantaged youth with distinctive support and resources.
Thirty-five middle school girls from three LAUSD middle schools in underserved communities were challenged to design and showcase an upcycled fashion line, share reflections from their experience, and learn about opportunities for continued STEM + Sustainability. The schools included in this year’s program were Vox Collegiate (South LA), Hollenbeck Middle School (Boyle Heights), and Markham Middle School (Watts).
Utilizing sustainable materials and donated clothing from sponsored organizations, the girls presented their clothing concepts to their piers on Demo Day, December 7, 2023. Upon completion of this year’s program, the girls also received completion certificates from the City of Los Angeles.
In support of LACI’s Middle School Girls in STEM Program (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math), the credit union applied for an FHLBank San Francisco AHEAD Program grant. Through the legacy of LACI’s program and WPCCU’s diligence, a $27,500 grant was awarded for the 2023 program. WPCCU volunteers also mentored the Vox Collegiate middle school girls during the duration of the program, helped in preparations of their presentations, and awarded them a special gift on Demo Day.
Learn more about Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) and its programs.
LACI Microgrid Career Exploration Day
WPCCU Supports Green Jobs’ Fellowship
Each year, WPCCU supports LACI's Green Jobs Fellowship Program Career Fair which engages LACI startups, partner organizations, and educational institutions to provide additional opportunities for graduates upon completion of the program. The Fellowship recruits participants from all over LA County who are un/underemployed, part of an underrepresented group, and interested in joining the green economy.
In 2023, the Green Jobs Fellowship continued their Microgrid Maintenance multi-tiered workforce training program, where the cohort of students are provided 6 weeks of Green Collar and technical training boot camp, interpersonal skills, and industry-recognized certifications to participants. They are then paired with LACI startups and partners for internships and job opportunities with a 12-month job retention follow-up service and support.
Learn more about Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) and its programs.
Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles Volunteer Day
Annual Miracle Jeans Event
Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles Volunteer Day
Saving lives one dollar at a time
Your credit union proudly supports the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® and our local Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. In September for our annual Miracle Jeans event, our members and employees raised another $1,421 in donations this year. Along with our CO-OP Miracle Match of an additional $1,000, we contributed a total of $2,421.
We officially launched our 1st Children’s Hospital Bugsby plush butterfly fundraiser in November, spreading the holiday joy. When members and employees made a $10 donation to the Children’s Miracle Network, they received a free plushy. Through these donations we raised another $1,195.
100% of funds raised went to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Many patients and their families have benefited from programs and equipment provided by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals funds that helped them on their way to recovery. WPCCU is proud to have raised nearly $60,830 since 2014 for this charity.
