Excite Credit Union CEO Brian Dorcy announced a new partnership with the East Side Alliance at the East Side Union High School District Education Foundation’s biennial Hall of Fame Dinner on Saturday, November 9, at the Hayes Mansion.
A key component of the partnership is the Step Up Saving Program. Excite will make $50 opening deposits, match $25 per year, and pay a higher interest rate on savings balances up to $2,500 for any children residing in the East Side Alliance footprint who open a savings account for postsecondary education or training.
“Excite believes that every child should have the opportunity to go to college, no matter the cost or the zip code where they live,” Dorcy said. “Data shows that low-income children with just $500 in a college savings account are four times more likely to complete college than low-income children without a college savings account.”
In addition to the Step Up program, Excite participated in College Day activities and donated nearly 2,000 youth savings books to 2nd and 3rd grade teachers and students in East Side schools. The company also sponsored the ESUHSDEF Hall of Fame Dinner, which is intended to inspire current students by recognizing East Side graduates who have gone on to success in a variety of fields.
“If you’ll pardon the pun, we’re excited to have Excite on board as a key partner in the East Side Alliance,” said Manny Barbara, ESUHSDEF Board Member and Advisor to the CEO of the Silicon Valley Education Foundation. “Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.”
Also joining the partnership is Soul Focus, producers of the Silicon Valley Half Marathon, who have raised $20,000 to fund scholarships for students participating in the Spartan East Side Promise program. This program, developed with San José State University, provides ESUHSD grads with a path to a college education. Learn more at esuhsdef.org/spartan-promise.
The Silicon Valley Education Foundation has matched Soul Focus with an additional $20,000 for the scholarship fund.