Honor Credit Union Donates $10,000 to Kalamazoo RESA Foundation for New Career Center 

KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN— February 5, 2025— Honor Credit Union is proud to announce its $10,000 Catalyst Sponsor donation to the Kalamazoo RESA Foundation, supporting the construction of the new Kalamazoo RESA Career Connect Campus. This transformative facility will provide world-class career and technical education (CTE) for students across Kalamazoo County, offering opportunities for skill development, certifications, and career preparation in high-demand fields. 

Honor Credit Union’s history is deeply rooted in education. Over 90 years ago, the credit union began as Berrien Teachers Credit Union, serving educators. Today, with 28 locations across Michigan, Honor remains committed to supporting students, educators, and communities, ensuring that education remains at the core of its mission. 

The campus will house career and technical education programs designed to meet the needs of students and the local economy. Students will benefit from state-of-the-art training facilities, access to industry-recognized certifications, and transportation provided by a countywide system. 

The Career Connect Campus is part of KRESA’s ambitious redesign of Kalamazoo County’s career and technical education system. By partnering with local businesses, educators, and community leaders, KRESA aims to deliver a world-class CTE experience for every student.  

“Kalamazoo RESA is grateful for community partners like Honor Credit Union, who share our vision of providing transformative, equitable, and innovative education for all in the Greater Kalamazoo region. Together, we are equipping the next generation with the skills, resources, and relationships needed to succeed in local, high-demand careers,” said Sandy Barry-Loken, Executive Director, Communications & Community Engagement for Kalamazoo RESA. 

Programs at the Career Connect Campus will cover a wide range of industries, including arts, automotive, technology, health, and business, among others. The facility will offer a continuum of career education programs starting as early as kindergarten, ensuring that students can explore career pathways and develop real-world skills at every stage of their educational journey. 

Honor Credit Union’s contribution reflects its dedication to giving back to the communities it serves, with a particular focus on supporting education and empowering the next generation. This partnership aligns seamlessly with KRESA’s mission to prepare students for meaningful careers while fostering collaboration with local businesses and organizations. Together, Honor Credit Union and KRESA are creating pathways for students to thrive, building a foundation of opportunity, innovation, and growth for the entire community. 

“At Honor Credit Union, our roots are deeply tied to supporting education and empowering communities. Partnering with the KRESA Foundation to help bring the Career Connect Campus to life aligns perfectly with our mission to invest in opportunities that create brighter futures.” Said Thomas Hatfield, Honor Community Development Officer. “This state-of-the-art center will equip students with the skills they need to succeed while fostering growth and opportunity within our community. We’re proud to support a project that reflects our shared commitment to making a lasting impact on the lives of local students and families.”