Affinity Federal Credit Union Is Leveraging Its Branch Network to Gather Tech for Schools
We all know we live in a world driven by digital technology. We also know that there is a massive shortage of candidates with the tech skills necessary to carry our businesses into the next stage of their digital transformations.
The tech journey clearly must start in school which is why it is so disheartening to learn that so many children don’t have access to the equipment necessary to get off on the right foot.
Even outside of tech focused lessons, Teachers (81%), principals (88%) and administrators (92%) strongly agree or agree they see excellent value in using digital learning tools in the classroom, and 70% of older students strongly agree or agree they help them learn things on their own. Nearly all younger students (96%) say digital tools make learning more fun according to Gallup research.
Affinity Federal Credit Union
Recognizing the need for more digital technology in schools, Affinity Federal Credit Union, has, for the past three years been holding annual tech drives where it asks communities to help children’s education prospects by donating their unwanted digital devices.
Leveraging its network of community facing branches, Affinity has partnered with Minnesota Tech for Success for the latest effort to make sure children in the area get the best possible chance of succeeding in the modern digitally focused world.
"Because more than 100,000 Minnesota students don’t have technology and devices at home, Minnesota Tech for Success is asking the public to donate their unwanted tech devices — including laptops, desktops, cellphones, tablets, LCD monitors, mice and keyboards — to be repurposed for classrooms across the state," said a local press article announcing the latest drive.
Minnesota Tech for Success has a stated mission to provide students and schools with refurbished, reliable computers at more affordable rates than with new computers. In addition, students can receive devices for free or at a reduced cost from their schools, speeding up access to information and closing the digital equity gap between the haves and have nots.
Students in need can also receive computers, software, tech support and a warranty at no charge through the non-profit’s Tech Connect program.
Branch Success
The third-annual Tech Drive for Education hosted by Affinity was held in May 2022 at the St. Paul branch of the credit union on St. Paul’s West Side and seven other locations across the state and saw record numbers of people attend the branch to drop off digital technology to be refurbished and distributed by Tech for Success.
In total, Affinity gathered more than 300 computers for students in the state during the tech drive all of which will soon be winging their way to children in need, augmenting their education, and improving their prospects for the future.
"There were eight community events hosted statewide this year. Drop-off events took place at Affinity Plus branches in Bemidji, Duluth, Grand Rapids, Lakeville, Minneapolis, Rochester, Roseville, and St. Paul. Affinity Plus and community members also donated rewards points and cash contributions to the Tech Drive for Education," said Affinity in a newsletter announcing the results of the drive. "A huge thank you to everyone who donated to ensure that these students will be set up for success! With your help, we’re making a big difference!"
Banks and credit unions used to hold a strong position in the areas they served, with managers being pillars of their respective communities. The industry seems to have lost sight of that in the recent scramble for digital services accelerated by the COVID-19 crisis, and it’s about time we got back to that feeling of being an integral part of our communities.
In our previous blog in this series, we discovered how Columbia Bank was turning branches into community hubs. Now, with these annual tech drives being carried out by Affinity Federal Credit Union, it is reminding people that branches are still here, and they have a role to play in serving society beyond the expected financial services.
"That’s a wrap! Affinity Plus collected more than 300 computers for Minnesota students during the third annual Tech Drive for Education. It’s a partnership with Minnesota Tech for Success, a local nonprofit creating digital equity for Minnesota students," concluded the company.
Final Thoughts
Branches have so much more to offer communities than their core function of providing financial services. Carrying out charitable events such as the Affinity tech drive are a fantastic way to bring people through your branch’s doors and remind them how these locations can function as focal points for community activity.
You can hear Affinity Federal Credit Union’s SVP, Member Engagement, Seun Aiyese M.A., speak at Future Branches Austin 2022, taking place in December at the JW Marriott Austin, TX.
Download the agenda today for more information and insights.