WHITTIER – The Credit Union of Southern California, a longtime supporter of La Serna High School’s award-winning and life-changing intervention program, OASIS, has launched a $50,000 endowment to ensure students in the program find enduring success after graduation.

CEO Dave Gunderson and Executive Vice President Eric Day have provided thousands of dollars in scholarships over the years to students in La Serna’s Organized Academic Support in School (OASIS) program, which motivates students who are underperforming to earn higher GPAs and graduate high school.

They will regularly contribute to the endowment, with the funds going toward scholarships as well as other methods of support to ensure OASIS students have the support necessary for successful futures.

The Whittier Union Board of Trustees recently recognized the duo for their support and generosity.

“We are extremely grateful to the Credit Union of Southern California for their continual support of our student programs, especially OASIS, which has done a tremendous job of turning around the lives of students who often didn’t believe in themselves, but are now on their way to brighter futures,” Superintendent Martin Plourde said.

Launched in 2007, OASIS pairs sophomores and juniors who are in danger of dropping out of high school with high-achieving peer mentors, who provide daily motivation and emotional and academic support, helping them regain their joy of learning and setting them on a path to graduation.

OASIS students learn study skills, accountability, time management, goal setting, notetaking, character building and self-esteem development.

“The Credit Union of Southern California has been absolutely incredible in supporting our OASIS students and this program through their scholarships and contributions,” said Ken LaVigne, who directs and teaches the OASIS program. “Its leadership team members have also participated in panel presentations, mock interviews, and job shadowing activities that have helped immensely as students prepare for their futures. I want to thank them for impacting the lives of our students.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

110419_WUHSD_ENDOWMENT1: Credit Union of Southern California CEO Dave Gunderson (center) and Executive Vice President Eric Day (right) were honored with Certificates of Appreciation by the Whittier Union Board of Trustees. The pair are pictured with Board of Trustees President Dr. Russell Castañeda-Calleros (left), board members Dr. Ralph Pacheco, Tim Schneider and Leighton Anderson and Vice President Jeff Baird.

110419_WUHSD_ENDOWMENT2: Representatives from the Credit Union of Southern California were recently honored with Certificates of Appreciation by the Whittier Union Board of Trustees. Pictured are La Serna intervention specialist Lisa Barnes (left), CEO Dave Gunderson, La Serna Principal Ann Fitzgerald, OASIS student academic mentor Cait Hurtado, Executive Vice President Eric Day and La Serna teacher Ken LaVigne.