Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
August 19, 2025
Freedom FCU Awards $10K to 10 Innovators in Expanded Golden Apple Program
TLDR
- Freedom Federal Credit Union's Golden Apple Awards provide educators with grants up to $2,000 to implement innovative classroom projects that enhance student learning and leadership opportunities.
- The program awards ten grants totaling $10,000 through a structured application process where educators submit essays detailing how their projects will benefit students and communities.
- These grants fund initiatives like calming rooms and STEM programs that create safer, more engaging learning environments and support the holistic development of students.
- Educators are using podcasting technology and hands-on STEM stations to transform traditional classrooms into dynamic spaces for creativity and real-world learning experiences.
Impact - Why it Matters
This initiative directly impacts educational quality and innovation in Maryland schools by providing crucial funding that enables teachers to implement creative programs they couldn't otherwise afford. For students, it means access to cutting-edge learning experiences like podcast technology, advanced STEM programs, and holistic support systems that enhance both academic and personal development. The expansion to include Baltimore City educators addresses educational equity by bringing these opportunities to more diverse communities. Such corporate-education partnerships are vital as they fill funding gaps in public education, ultimately strengthening the local workforce pipeline and community development through improved educational outcomes.
Summary
Freedom Federal Credit Union celebrated its 14th annual Golden Apple Awards on August 13th, honoring ten innovative educators from Harford County, Baltimore County, and for the first time, Baltimore City with grants totaling $10,000. The program, which expanded its reach this year, recognized educators implementing cutting-edge initiatives including podcast technology for student leadership, STEM innovation, environmental sustainability programs, and holistic student support systems. Key award recipients included Tara Recor and Taylor Herring who received $2,000 grants for podcast-based learning programs, while educators like Jim Renaud, Mike Homishak, Lisa Brown, and Julia Bailey secured $1,000 awards for engineering, science, and sustainability projects.
The ceremony featured remarks from prominent figures including Freedom Federal Credit Union President and CEO Mike MacPherson, who emphasized the program's commitment to supporting educators who "inspire, empower, and support their students." Baltimore County Councilman David Marks praised the public-private partnership, calling Freedom Federal Credit Union deserving of a "Gold Star" for its educational support. Dr. Eric Davis, Deputy Superintendent for Harford County Public Schools, highlighted the essential partnership between HCPS and the credit union, noting how the Golden Apple Awards spark innovation and encourage educators to dream bigger for their students. The event also recognized partners including Clever Cat Marketing, Comcast, and The Maryland Ad Network for their support in promoting the program to schools across the region.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by citybiz. Read the original source here, Freedom FCU Awards $10K to 10 Innovators in Expanded Golden Apple Program
