News & Events

At Capitol Credit Union, community isn't just a word - it's a commitment we show up for, one event at a time. This week, our PAL team had the privilege of attending the annual Camp Longhorn SPARK event, hosted by the University of Texas, and the experience was nothing short of inspiring.

What Is the Camp Longhorn SPARK Event?

The SPARK event is a vibrant community gathering that brought together more than 300 attendees and 40 vendors this year. It's a space where organizations, resources, and young people come together - and exactly the kind of environment where Capitol Credit Union feels right at home.

Why Was CCU There?

Our PAL Team, Marco and Hector, attended with a clear purpose: to share the message of financial empowerment with the next generation through our PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) program.

The PAL program is a partnership between Capitol Credit Union and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), designed specifically to support foster youth who are aging out of the system. Each year, thousands of young adults leave foster care without the financial skills needed to manage money, build credit, or plan for the future. PAL was created to change that.

Through the program, participants gain access to financial literacy education covering budgeting, saving, and credit management. They're also helped in setting up checking and savings accounts and are paired with a dedicated CCU mentor to guide them through their financial journey.

A Moment That Said It All

After addressing the crowd, Marco and Hector had the chance to connect with attendees one-on-one - and what they found was remarkable. A number of young people who were already PAL members were enthusiastically telling their friends to sign up. Peer-to-peer encouragement like that speaks volumes. When youth are championing a program to each other, you know it's making a real difference.

Celebrating Our PAL Members

CCU came ready to celebrate. We gave away eight Lenovo tablets to our existing PAL members as a token of appreciation for their commitment to the program. The event organizers also held a raffle, gifting three additional tablets to lucky attendees - a moment that had the whole crowd buzzing with excitement.

Our Commitment Goes Beyond Banking

Events like SPARK are a reminder of why we do this work. Financial literacy isn't just a life skill; for foster youth transitioning to independence, it can be life-changing.

We're proud to stand alongside these young people as they prepare for adult living, and we look forward to continuing to show up - in the community, at events like this, and every step of the way.

To learn more about the PAL program, visit ccutx.org/about/about-ccu/pal-program