Dow Credit Union Sponsors Scouts' Merit Badge College

UNIVERSITY CENTER - Dow Credit Union has announced it will once again sponsor Scouting's upcoming "Merit Badge College," an annual event that will bring thousands of youths from across the state to Delta College on Dec. 12. 

"We have been a proud supporter of our local Scouts for years," LaShanta Green, the credit union's director of community relations said. "We're excited to help facilitate their event, which will bring so many more young people and their families to our Great Lakes Bay Region."  

The Scouts will "take over" the college for the Saturday, using the classrooms to teach dozens of badges. Following a brief hiatus during the pandemic, the 2022 Merit Badge College attracted over 1,000 participants, with some traveling from as far afield as the Upper Peninsula and northern Ohio. According to Jake Straub, Scouting's local district director, even more attendees are expected this year. 

In anticipation of this, the Scouts recruited numerous qualified counselors to deliver a diverse selection of courses. 

"This is one of the premier events for Scouting in Michigan, and we'll deliver a wealth of knowledge for the youths," Straub said. 

In addition to sponsoring the event, our credit union will also provide counselors for the Personal Management merit badge, which promotes financial literacy and time management in young people. This badge has historically been among the event's most popular, as it is required for those seeking to attain Scouting's highest honor, the rank of Eagle Scout. 

"Many high school and even college graduates today say they were never taught about budgeting, saving, or investing," Green said. "That shouldn't be the case, and we want to ensure the next generation is ready for the world it will inherit." 

Our credit union has committed to investing in such programs for young people, with youth and education being twin pillars in our community investment strategy. This is also reflected in our operations, as we invite young people across the region to join our credit union with their first accounts and gain experience managing their own resources. 

“Being the presenting sponsor for the merit badge college gives us the unique opportunity to stress the importance of financial literacy to young people,” Ryan Carter, a business development specialist, said. “The event will be both fun and impactful, setting up those who attended for success.”