Beyond Banking: How SECU's Camp Scholarships Build NC's Future

RALEIGH, NC – August 04, 2026 – While summer for many families means navigating the rising costs of childcare and enrichment, hundreds of young North Carolinians are exploring new interests and building lifelong skills, thanks to a unique financial initiative. State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) announced it has awarded a record $233,000 in summer camp scholarships this year, enabling 466 of its youngest members to attend day and overnight camps across the state. The program, now in its fifth year, represents a powerful fusion of financial services and community development, demonstrating how a member-owned cooperative can strategically invest in the next generation.

Summer Dreams Realized Across the State

For the 466 recipients, the $500 awards are more than just a check; they are tickets to transformative experiences. The program’s impact is felt in 91 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, funding a diverse array of aspirations. In Troy, Oliver Jernigan used his award for a wilderness adventure camp, an experience he called a “dream trip” and a highlight of his scouting journey. “For SECU to support me in this endeavor means a lot,” Jernigan said. “Trips such as this one are what most people will never experience.”

In Greenville, the scholarship validated a young artist's passion. “I am truly grateful that Riley was able to apply herself to do something she loves with drawing,” said Brianna Hines, mother of recipient Riley Hines, who secured her spot by submitting an illustration of her dream camp. “I also see it is something she is able to use to benefit herself by obtaining scholarships and encouraging her to continue to use her talents to build her future.”

These stories are echoed across the state. One family expressed immense gratitude as the scholarship made it possible for their son to attend a science-focused camp he loves. Another parent shared their excitement when the funds appeared in their daughter’s account, covering the camp fees that might have otherwise been prohibitive. From Tae Kwon Do camps to Girl Scout adventures, the scholarships are unlocking doors to personal growth, skill-building, and the simple joy of a classic summer experience.

A Strategic Investment in North Carolina's Future

While the heartwarming stories are compelling, the Summer Camp Awards program is not merely a philanthropic gesture. It is a deeply integrated component of SECU’s long-term strategy to foster financial literacy and community well-being, rooted in its identity as a not-for-profit cooperative. The scholarships are exclusively for members of SECU’s FAT CAT® (ages 0-12) and Zard® (ages 13-19) youth accounts, directly linking the benefit to early engagement with financial concepts.

These accounts are designed to be more than simple savings vehicles; they are educational platforms that teach young members about saving, spending, and financial responsibility. By tethering a tangible reward like a camp scholarship to participation in these programs, SECU reinforces the value of financial planning from an early age. This initiative aligns with a broader educational ecosystem the credit union has built, including programs like FinStart for elementary students and the Reality of Money® simulation for high schoolers.

“The goal of SECU’s Summer Camp Awards program is to help ease the financial burden on families so more young members can experience everything summer camp has to offer,” said SECU President and CEO Leigh Brady. This statement reflects the credit union's core “People Helping People®” philosophy, which extends far beyond its 275 branches. As the second-largest credit union in the United States with over $60 billion in assets, SECU leverages its scale not for shareholder profit, but for member benefit. This program is a prime example of that principle in action, reinvesting directly into the families and communities it serves.

The Economic and Social Ripple Effect

The program's impact radiates beyond individual families, creating a significant economic and social ripple effect. With the average cost of a week-long day camp in North Carolina hovering around $450 and overnight camps costing upwards of $1,300, a $500 scholarship is a substantial intervention. For many families, this award can be the deciding factor, covering the full cost of a day camp or dramatically reducing the financial barrier to a more specialized overnight experience.

This financial relief also translates into support for a vital local industry. North Carolina's summer camp sector is a significant economic driver, particularly in regions like the western part of the state, where it contributes an estimated $332 million in annual economic impact. By funding attendance, SECU’s program helps sustain these small businesses and non-profits, which are crucial for local employment and tourism. Every scholarship dollar not only enriches a child's summer but also reinforces the economic foundation of communities across the state.

Beyond the economics, the social return on investment is profound. Decades of research affirm that summer camps are powerful incubators for critical life skills. In an environment free from the social pressures of school, children develop independence, teamwork, and resilience. They learn to communicate with diverse peers, solve problems creatively, and build confidence by stepping outside their comfort zones. In an era of increasing digitalization and social isolation, these real-world interactions and connections with positive adult mentors are more critical than ever for fostering well-rounded, capable young adults.

A Legacy of Growth and Commitment

Since its launch in 2022, the Summer Camp Awards program has demonstrated remarkable growth, evolving into a major statewide initiative. In just five years, SECU has awarded more than $741,000 in scholarships to 1,483 young members. The steady increase in both funding and the number of recipients year after year signals a deep and expanding commitment from the institution. This year's record-breaking numbers underscore the program's success and the growing need for such support among North Carolina families.

The application process itself—requiring an essay or illustration about a dream camp—encourages children to be proactive and articulate their goals, a valuable exercise in its own right. By embedding this opportunity within its core youth financial products, SECU is building a holistic system that supports its members from their first savings account to their first summer away from home, laying a foundation for a stable and prosperous future.