In 1932, a group of dedicated teachers from the Ogden School District came together with a shared vision to support their colleagues. Faced with financial challenges of the Great Depression, they sought a way to help teachers, principals, and supervisors save money and borrow funds with ease. They founded the Ogden Teachers Credit Union, a unique initiative that would serve as a lifeline for the educational community. The early days of the credit union were modest. Operations were run out of the back of a car, where the founding teachers would meet with members to facilitate transactions. Despite the humble setup, the passion and commitment of those involved were undeniable. The credit union became a valuable resource for the district, providing teachers with a cooperative means to manage their finances during difficult times. Membership in the Ogden Teachers Credit Union was initially exclusive, with approval required by the board of directors. To foster growth and ensure that all teachers had access to this resource, each school within the district was assigned a credit union representative. These representatives worked tirelessly to bring in new members, spreading the word about the benefits of joining and helping to establish a sense of community among educators.
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In the 1960s, the credit union expanded its membership to include not just teachers, but also secretaries and maintenance workers within the Ogden School District. This move reflected a growing commitment to supporting all school employees, recognizing their shared role in the district’s success. As membership continued to grow, so did the credit union’s services.
In 1991, to better reflect its now diverse membership base, the credit union changed its name to the Ogden School District Credit Union. At this point, the membership had expanded even further, now including students and their families, creating a more inclusive environment for all who were connected to the educational community.
In 2001, the credit union took another significant step by merging with the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind, further expanding its reach and impact. The merger enabled the credit union to offer its services to more individuals within the broader educational community. The growth continued in 2005, when the membership was extended once again—this time to include all residents of Weber County. This expansion marked a turning point, as the credit union’s services were now available to a much wider community, while still maintaining a strong focus on serving those involved in education.
Finally, in 2006, the credit union underwent a final name change, becoming Education First Credit Union. This rebranding was meant to highlight the organization’s primary focus on supporting the education community while also reflecting its broadened membership. Through all its changes and expansions, Education First Credit Union has remained dedicated to its founding mission: to help people within the educational community manage their finances and build a better future together. Today, it continues to serve not only educators, but also students, families, and residents across Weber County, carrying forward the legacy of mutual aid and collaboration that began over 90 years ago.
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