Scott Credit Union Receives FOCUS St. Louis’ What’s Right with the Region Award for Innovative With You Grants Program

Edwardsville, IL – (May 8, 2026) – Scott Credit Union (SCU) is proud to announce it has received the 29th Annual What’s Right with the Region Award in the category of Demonstrating Innovative Solutions. Presented by FOCUS St. Louis, the award recognizes the SCU Community Foundation’s With You Grants Program for its creative and visionary approach to supporting educators and students throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.

The What’s Right with the Region awards celebrate individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the community. SCU was honored during a formal ceremony held on May 7, 2026, at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Launched in 2020, the With You Grants Program was designed to bypass traditional institutional hurdles by placing funding directly into the hands of frontline educators. The initiative addresses the widening gap between shrinking school budgets and the evolving needs of 21st-century students.

“The With You Grants Program is a high-impact partnership that honors the passion of our educators,” said Frank Padak, President and CEO of Scott Credit Union. “By removing administrative barriers, we ensure that funds land directly where they are needed most—in the classroom. We are honored that FOCUS St. Louis has recognized this commitment to our region’s social and economic infrastructure.”

Since its inception in 2020, the With You Grants Program has invested $514,774.74 into 172 school projects across Missouri and Illinois. The program reached a new milestone in 2025, awarding $152,245.42 to 57 diverse, student-centered initiatives spanning urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. These high-impact grants fueled STEM innovation at Holman Middle School, provided vital sensory resources at Notre Dame High School, supplied hygiene essentials at Ferguson Middle School, and transformed outdoor learning spaces at Bierbaum Elementary. 

The 2026 What’s Right with the Region honorees were nominated by the public and selected by a committee of local leaders for their impact and service to the community. SCU joined 19 other outstanding organizations and individuals recognized during the 29th annual event.

Watch the FOCUS St. Louis feature on the Scott Credit Union With You Grants Program: https://youtu.be/YCXsxET3XyU?t=216 

Scott Credit Union representatives accept the 2026 What’s Right with the Region Award in the Demonstrating Innovative Solutions category from FOCUS St. Louis.

About Scott Credit Union

Scott Credit Union is a full-service financial cooperative. When someone opens an account at the credit union, they become a member and an owner. Because of its structure, Scott Credit Union has given back millions of dollars to members through a bonus dividend and loan interest rebate over the years.

Scott Credit Union currently has 23 locations. 22 locations in metro St. Louis including: Affton, MO; Ballpark Village in St. Louis, MO; Belleville, IL (two branches); Breese, IL; Collinsville, IL; Columbia, IL; Crestwood, MO; Edwardsville, IL (two branches); Fairview Heights, IL; Ferguson, MO; Highland, IL; Ladue, MO; Lebanon, IL; Mascoutah, IL; O’Fallon, IL; Trenton, IL; Troy, IL; Scott Air Force Base in Illinois; Waterloo, IL; and Wood River, IL; and one branch in the Chicago area in Evergreen Park, IL.

For details on opening accounts at Scott Credit Union, visit www.scu.org.

About FOCUS St. Louis

Recognized as a national model for civic leadership development, FOCUS St. Louis provides diverse leaders with the civic awareness and powerful connections needed to be collaborative changemakers who advance a thriving region for all. The FOCUS continuum of civic leadership program is designed to meet participants where they are, from high school students to senior executives. As a neutral convener and facilitator, FOCUS brings together community members to deliberate on critical regional issues in a trusted, nonpartisan space. Find out more at www.focus-stl.org and @FOCUSSTL.