Educational Systems Federal Credit Union Partners with Free State PTA to Provide Financial Literacy Workshops Across Maryland
By PRESS OFFICER
ESFCU
GREENBELT, Md. (Sept. 16, 2025)—Educational Systems Federal Credit Union is proud to announce a new partnership with Free State PTA to bring free Financial Literacy Workshops to communities across Maryland.
Through this partnership, every local PTA will have the opportunity to host engaging, informative financial literacy workshops facilitated by Educational Systems FCU. The sessions will cover essential topics such as budgeting, saving and building healthy financial habits, all at no cost. The goal of the workshops is to support parents, caregivers, students and school employees in developing financial skills that will foster long-term success.
“We’re proud to partner with Free State PTA to bring free financial literacy workshops to PTAs across Maryland,” said Girado Smith, President/CEO of Educational Systems Federal Credit Union. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to empowering the education community with accessible financial solutions that support lifelong financial wellness.”
“We are excited to work alongside a trusted financial institution that understands the unique needs of our school communities,” said Traci Tatum, President of Free State PTA. “Together, we are taking another step toward creating informed, resilient families and stronger schools across Maryland.”
If your school system falls under the Free State PTA umbrella, email FinancialEducation@esfcu.org to schedule a Financial Literacy Workshop to benefit parents, students and school employees.
Educational Systems Federal Credit Union has proudly served the education
community since 1955. With $1.2 billion in assets and 13 branches, the Credit Union serves over 90,000 members of the education community including school employees, students, parents and individuals working for education-related organizations. For more information and to explore career opportunities with the award-winning organization, visit www.esfcu.org.
Free State PTA is a state-level branch of National PTA, representing parents, teachers, students, and community members. Free State PTA works to promote the welfare of children and youth, fostering collaboration between parents, educators, and stakeholders to enhance education and well-being.
Free State PTA engages in various activities, such as advocating for education-related policies, providing resources and programs for parents and teachers, supporting school improvement efforts and organizing events that encourage family involvement in education. Free State PTA plays a significant role in connecting local PTAs across the state, amplifying their collective voice and striving to create a positive impact on education and children’s lives in Maryland.
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M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Board Schedules 2025 Budget Forums
By PRESS OFFICER
M-NCPPC
LARGO, Md. (Sept. 18, 2025)—The Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) will hold its 2025 Budget Forums this fall, to solicit comments on the
M-NCPPC budget for planning, parks, and recreation in Prince George’s County for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2026.
The public budget forums will be held in person:
Wednesday, October 15, 2025—7 p.m.
Harmony Hall Arts Center
John Addison Concert Hall
10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744
Advance Registration Deadline: 12 Noon | Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Onsite registration will be available at the forum.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025—7 p.m.
M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County
Administration Building, 6600 Kenilworth Avenue, Riverdale, MD 20737
Advance Registration Deadline: 12 Noon | Monday, October 20, 2025
Onsite registration will be available at the forum.
Register
To register to speak, visit https://pgplanningboard.org/participate/sign-up-to-speak/ and click on “Budget Forums.” Complete the online form and submit. To
submit documentation as a part of the forum, email information to PublicAffairs@ppd.mncppc.org.
Written Comments
Written comments will also be accepted until close of business, Tuesday, November 4, 2025, by mail, fax, or email. Comments may be addressed to Darryl Barnes, Chairman, Prince George’s County Planning Board, 1616 McCormick Drive, Largo, Maryland 20774. Comments may also be transmitted via email to PublicAffairs@ppd.mncppc.org.
Assistance
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission encourages the participation of persons with disabilities in all its programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. Call the Public Affairs Office at 301-952-3038, email PublicAffairs@ppd.mncppc.org, or complete the online form.
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Support Education Foundation Presents $142,000 in Scholarships and Professional Development Awards
By PRESS OFFICER
ESFCU
Greenbelt, Md. (Sept. 2025)—The Support Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established by Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 scholarships and professional development awards. A total of $142,000 was awarded to 39 students and 20 educators to advance their educational goals and professional growth.
“Congratulations to this year’s Support Education Foundation scholarship and award recipients,” said Kristy Mathey, Board Chair of the Foundation. “With the rising costs of education and professional development, the need for meaningful support has never been greater. These scholarships and awards reflect our unwavering commitment to empowering students and educators by investing in their future. Supporting educational and professional growth within our communities remains at the heart of our mission, and we are proud to celebrate the achievements of those making a difference.”
Among the recipients was Alyssa Bradley, a senior at Colonel Richardson High School and winner of a Dorothy Marvil Scholarship. “As a first-generation college student figuring out how to pay for school can be overwhelming,” said Bradley.
“The scholarship has helped me grow and better myself, and in the future, I’d like to do the same to help students work toward their dreams.”
The 2025 scholarship and professional development award recipients for Prince George’s County are included below.
Eva Chesley Scholarships:
The $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a rising-college sophomore who currently attends a four-year college or university in the state of Maryland and is pursuing a degree in education.
A total of $10,000 was awarded to two college sophomores pursuing degrees in education.
An additional $10,000 was awarded to the 2024 recipients for their junior year, as part of a recurring scholarship:
Zaire Bond, Bowie State University
Rosemary Brinkley Business and Finance Scholarships:
A total of $39,000 was awarded to 13 graduating high school seniors who completed the business and finance curriculum.
Zhiere Ogaldes, Charles Herbert Flowers High School
Dorothy Marvil Scholarships:
A total of $42,000 was awarded to 14 college-bound high school seniors.
Kamryn Nero, Charles H. Flowers High School
Community College Scholarships:
A total of $21,000 was awarded to seven students to help complete their community college degree.
Jahidul Hasan, Prince George’s Community College
Maurice Erly Professional Development Awards:
A total of $20,000 was awarded to 20 educators to continue their professional development.
K–12 Educators
Sidnitra Bates, Judith P. Hoyer Montessori
Community College Educators
Kayla Saunders, Prince George’s Community College
For detailed information on each scholarship and professional development award, visit https://supporteducation.org/
The Support Education Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization established by Educational Systems Federal Credit Union in 2017 with the mission to operate and support charitable giving programs for the benefit of members of the education community. Each year, the Foundation supports thousands of students and school employees through community initiatives, scholarships and professional development awards. Learn more about how we Support Education by visiting https://supporteducation.org/
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