$1M for local education donated via special debit cards—how to get one

Sponsored

A Jemison High School student shows an oversized placard displaying a new Jemison High School themed debit card for Redstone Federal Credit Union in Huntsville, Alabama. — Student branch worker Ava Brown shows the Jemison High School-branded Affinity Card at her school branch’s grand opening in September 2025. (Alivia Nguyen / Hville Blast)

When he sees people using debit cards with a local school logo + flash of colors, Le Juan George chuckles with a sense of satisfaction and pride. As Redstone Federal Credit Union Business Development Manager, George oversees the Redstone Affinity Debit Card Program, which he’s helped build since shortly after its inception in 2015.

When people use these special cards for a purchase, Redstone donates 10 cents to one of 16 partnering schools or education nonprofits.

The swipes added up to a huge milestone in early 2026: Redstone has donated more than $1 million to program partners.

Read on to learn more about how this money is making an impact locally + how you may qualify for a card to help your favorite school.

A leading partner, Alabama A&M University

An instructor and student work together in a media lab at Alabama A&M University — Affinity card program donations have helped improve students’ experiential learning at Alabama A&M. (Redstone Federal Credit Union)

Among the 16 current partners in the program, Alabama A&M University has been the most active since joining the program in 2018.

“Our partnership with Redstone reflects a shared commitment to community impact and student success, creating a simple but powerful way for alumni and supporters to give back through their everyday financial activity.”
_{Jamal Ali, Alabama A&M University Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Advancement}

Of the 4,000 or so affinity debit cards in use, about 900 of them represent Alabama A&M, George says. As a result, Redstone has donated approximately $240,000 to the university through this program.

These funds have helped support things like:

providing scholarships
assisting students with travel costs
enhancing experiential learning
improving student spaces

Making tangible impacts

Rendering of the Alabama A&M University Student Amenities Center — Rendering of Alabama A&M’s Student Amenities Center, now under construction (Alabama A&M University)

Some of the money has been dedicated to one of Alabama A&M’s most exciting projects, a $58 million, 93,000-square-foot student amenities center, currently under construction.

“The program’s greatest impact has been its flexibility—allowing us to support students where it matters most. More broadly, it demonstrates how strategic partnerships can translate consistent engagement into meaningful, lasting outcomes for our students and the entire Alabama A&M University community.”
_{Jamal Ali, Alabama A&M University Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Advancement}

Ali is quick to credit Redstone for its support in other ways, including its upcoming signature scholarship fundraiser—the 26th Annual Black-Tie Gala, set for April 17.

Program partners + how to support

Redstone donations through the affinity card program helped fund a transport van for Lindsay Lane Christian Academy. (Lindsay Lane Christian Academy)

Beneficiary partners with co-branded cards are:

Local public schools: Madison City Schools, Madison County Schools, Hartselle City Schools, + Mae Jemison, Decatur, Austin + Scottsboro high schools
Local colleges + universities: Alabama A&M, UAH, Calhoun Community College
Local private schools: Madison Academy, Lindsay Lane Christian Academy, Union Chapel Christian Academy
Education nonprofit: Free 2 Teach
In Rutherford County, Tennessee: Blackman High School, Siegel High School

The Redstone Affinity Debit Card Program is open to all of the credit union’s members.

Check your eligibility + join Redstone Federal Credit Union today, request an Affinity Debit Card + make every swipe count to benefit students at the participating school of your choice.

Sponsored by: