In The Spotlight: Building Stronger Communities Through Financial Education

By Laura Castetter
Tongass FCU Vice President of Marketing

Financial education isn’t just about managing money—it’s about helping our communities thrive. In the 1960s, pulp mill workers and teachers in Sitka and Ketchikan faced unique challenges when local financial institutions wouldn’t serve them. So they created their own credit unions, ALPS FCU and Tongass FCU, where the needs of neighbors and fellow workers were prioritized over profits. Their legacy continues to shape our commitment to our members and communities today.

Collaboration is crucial in Southeast where our communities are tightly connected by shared resources and mutual support. The “Spirit of the Tongass” is a guiding principle for our Tongass team, reminding us that strength comes from working together. Just as the ancient forest thrives through interconnected ecosystems, our communities flourish through cooperation.

As Sitka and other Southeast communities evolve, so does the need for financial knowledge. From high school students to elders, everyone benefits from support along their financial journey, and our goal is to meet people where they are, providing the tools needed to thrive.

Starting good money habits early can greatly impact a child’s future. That’s why every October, we celebrate Youth Month. The month is filled with specials and events, all aimed at getting kids excited about saving. It’s a fun way to kickstart lifelong, healthy money habits.

Our high school Financial Reality Fairs are another way we help financially prepare students. These fairs, which simulate real-life financial situations and help students understand the impact of decisions often lead to reviews like “save your money!” and “Wow, kids are really expensive!” We’re excited to be planning two fairs in Sitka schools this year.

We also offer scholarships. This year, we awarded 11 Jump Start Your Life scholarships to graduating high school seniors, including two to Sitka students, Kylie Orlando and Dalila Callahan. We also offer our ALPS (Achieving Lasting Potential) Scholarship to adult students pursuing higher education. These scholarships represent not just an investment in these students’ futures but also a commitment to the continued vitality of the communities they call home.

And while throughout Southeast we share lifestyles and challenges, we also know that every community is unique. Local staffing at each of our 13 locations ensures that the people who understand that specific community are the ones providing the support and guidance. Our staff are valuable resources for their neighbors. And we partner with local organizations to provide workshops and events, helping build financial confidence across our region.

Local staffing at all of our locations ensures that the people who understand the challenges and culture of these communities are the ones providing the support and guidance. Our staff are valuable resources for their neighbors, helping to build financial confidence across the region.

At Tongass Federal Credit Union, we know that strong communities are built on knowledge and access to resources. Together with our partners, we’re excited to continue building a future where all Southeast Alaskans can stand strong together.

If you have a class, group or organization that would like to partner with us please email lcastetter@tongassfcu.com and follow us on Facebook @TongassFCU for more information.