Harrisburg, PA (May 22, 2024) – PSECU, Pennsylvania’s digital-first credit union, is pleased to announce a significant contribution of $40,000 to the Pennsylvania Envirothon, a natural resource environmental education program that combines classroom learning and outdoor activities. The State Championship Competition will take place today, May 22, at Camp Mount Luther in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, with the final awards program scheduled to start at 3 p.m., concluding with the announcement of the winning team at approximately 3:45 p.m.
PSECU’s support this year has enabled Pennsylvania Envirothon to enhance the digital components of its educational programs, particularly the oral section of its competition, which now features a sustainable energy theme. This shift aligns with PSECU’s dedication to using technology to advance education and supports its ecological responsibility mission.
"Our partnership with the Pennsylvania Envirothon represents a vital part of our dedication to environmental education and sustainability," said Karen Rousche, Community Engagement Program Manager at PSECU. "This contribution facilitates innovative educational tools that empower students and educators alike, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues that impact our community and the world."
The partnership began in 2018 after the Envirothon was selected through the “PSECU Gives Back” program to represent the Environment pillar–one of PSECU’s four key philanthropic areas, including Children, Education, and Well-Being. Since then, PSECU has donated over $200,000 to assist Envirothon in innovating and expanding its educational outreach.
This year's State Championship will bring together winning regional teams from all 67 counties in Pennsylvania, attracting 335 students and their advisors and testing their knowledge across various environmental subjects. The championship competition crowns one county and serves as a qualifier for the national competition, with the potential for the winning team to compete on a world stage.
“The Envirothon is more than just learning inside and outside the classroom; the experience instills knowledgeable and conscientious Environmental Stewards for the Future,” said Courtney Raker, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Envirothon. “The Envirothon program relies heavily on a strong support system filled with many great partners. The PSECU partnership is one of our valued pillars that will lead this program into the future. As our Digital-First Sponsor, PSECU has led us by improving the technology and resources available and accessible to all students who seek to ‘Accept the Natural Challenge.”
To learn more about PSECU's commitment to community and environmental sustainability, please visit www.psecu.com/about-psecu/our-story.
Pictured, above from left to right: Brady Seeley, PA Envirothon Board Member; John Blasius, PA Envirothon Board Member; Courtney Raker, PA Envirothon Executive Director; Karen Rousche, PSECU Community Engagement Manager; Vince McCollum, PA Envirothon Board Member; Jason Winey, PA Envirothon Board Member
About PSECU
Opened in 1934, PSECU was founded by 22 ordinary people who pooled $90 and made an extraordinary commitment to each other: To create a financial institution where collective resources benefit all members. Today, PSECU continues that legacy as Pennsylvania’s digital-first credit union, with $8.5 billion in assets, an economic impact of over $700 million, more than 580,000 members, and a convenient anytime, anywhere banking model. For more information about PSECU, visit psecu.com. PSECU has been recognized as a Best-In-State Credit Union by Forbes, a Best Credit Union by GOBankingRates, a Best Bank by Money.com, and one of America’s Best Banks by Newsweek. View its Year In Review to learn how PSECU contributes to the greater good.
About Pennsylvania Envirothon
Envirothon is a fun, academic event. It challenges high school students to think critically about the natural world and their roles in it. Envirothon combines in-class curriculum and outdoor training, helping students to learn more about Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soil & Land Use, Wildlife, and Current Environmental Issues. The mission of the Pennsylvania Envirothon is to provide students with the knowledge and tools necessary to address the natural resource challenges facing today’s world as well as the challenges of tomorrow. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Envirothon, visit www.envirothonpa.org.