Jan8

CEO Co-Lab

GoWest's CEO Co-Lab is quickly becoming a "can't-miss" event among the region's most forward-thinking and innovative CEOs – you won't want to miss it.
Jan16

Wyoming CU Day at the Capitol

Our collective advocacy priority will be to showcase the impact Wyoming credit unions are making across the state, while increasing our connection and relationship with our elected leaders at the Wyoming Capitol.
Jan22

Idaho CU Day at the Capitol

Our collective advocacy priority will be to showcase the impact Idaho credit unions are making across the state, while increasing our connection and relationship with our elected leaders at the Idaho Capitol.
Jan28

Arizona CU Day at the Capitol

Our collective advocacy priority will be to showcase the impact Arizona credit unions are making across the state, while increasing our connection and relationship with our elected leaders at the Arizona Capitol.

Brittanie Bonanzino

AVP, Communications

Washington

Alyse Headshot

Alyse Knudsen

Manager, Communications

Oregon

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STCU Kicks Off 2025 with 50 FAFSA Events to Support Students and Families

Posted by on January 2, 2025

FAFSA STCU

STCU is kicking off the new year with an unprecedented effort to help families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – a critical step for anyone who may decide to obtain specialized career training or attend college at any point after high school.

In January and February, STCU is offering FAFSA assistance after hours at branch locations throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho. In all, there will be 50 free events, including 24 in Spokane and Northeastern Washington, 10 in North Idaho, 4 in Tri-Cities, and 12 in Central Washington. Find a complete list on the STCU website.

Assistance will be provided by trained volunteers who are STCU employees, using secure on-site technology. The events are open to anyone, regardless of whether they’re STCU members, and attendees need not bring computers or other devices. Because weekday evenings are busy times for families, the credit union will offer light dinner fare to attendees.

Last year’s glitchy roll-out of a new FAFSA form caused a big drop in completions and delays in getting applicant information to colleges and training programs. Washington and Idaho saw 11% fewer completions in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Spokane area attendees at two STCU FAFSA events in December 2024 found that the 2025-26 form is much improved. Yet, trained assistance can help smooth the process, particularly for those applicants from two-household families or other complicating factors.

Two years ago, STCU began opening the doors for a limited number FAFSA events in cooperation with Spokane-based LaunchNW Foundation, which is working to remove barriers to post-secondary education and training. More events were offered in 2024, and this year’s list is the longest yet.

“Because of our branch network, STCU is uniquely positioned to help in communities throughout the region,” said Traci McGlathery, VP, Director of Community Relations for STCU. “The STCU team loves the opportunity to provide assistance, and families are grateful for the assistance.”

Posted in Community Impact, Idaho, Regional Member News, Washington.