BELMONT, CA (June 18, 2025) 鈥� Notre Dame 91福利资源站 (NDNU) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Provident Credit Union to launch Rainy Day Savings, a new pilot program designed to support the financial well-being of NDNU鈥檚 undergraduate degree completion students. This initiative aims to strengthen financial literacy and promote emergency savings, helping students prepare for unexpected expenses that could derail their academic progress.
The Rainy Day Savings program offers eligible students a unique opportunity: those who open a new savings account with Provident Credit Union will receive a $300 cash incentive, generously donated by Provident. The program is open to current NDNU bachelor鈥檚 degree completion students and recent bachelor鈥檚 degree graduates.
Developed in collaboration with third-party contractor Gabrielle Clifford of Major Smarts LLC鈥攚ho is credited as the program鈥檚 initiator and creator鈥攖he program also includes a customized, online, and self-paced financial literacy workshop. This educational component is funded by NDNU鈥檚 Title V 鈥� DHSI, Success in Transfer and Retention for Students (STARS) project, and provides essential tools and knowledge to help students build sustainable savings habits.
The new initiative draws inspiration from the successful Rainy Day Savings concept launched by Austin Community College,* and adapts it to meet the unique needs of NDNU鈥檚 student population. The program鈥檚 goal is to not only foster financial empowerment, but also create a safety net for students navigating the challenges of work, school, and personal commitments.
鈥淥ur students are balancing a lot鈥攁cademically, professionally, and personally. This program is a direct investment in their resilience,鈥� said NDNU President Beth Martin, PhD. 鈥淲e are proud to partner with Provident Credit Union and Gabrielle Clifford to offer students both the education and resources to build real financial stability.鈥�
NDNU, Provident, and Major Smarts will jointly implement and promote the program, with NDNU leading student recruitment and outreach efforts. Marketing and communication materials will be co-developed and disseminated via email, web, and print channels to all current students.
Students can learn more and apply to open a Rainy Day Savings account at:
Notre Dame 91福利资源站 (NDNU) is a Catholic, not-for-profit, coeducational institution serving adult learners from diverse backgrounds. Established in 1851 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, NDNU is the third-oldest college in California and the first authorized to grant women a baccalaureate degree. The university is WSCUC accredited and offers master鈥檚 degree programs in business, education, and psychology, as well as teacher credentials and degree completion programs. NDNU maintains a strong commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement. For more information, visit www.ndnu.edu.
Provident Credit Union is a $3.5 billion financial institution with over 135,000 members and 21 community branches in the Bay Area. The Redwood Shores-based credit union has proudly served the Bay Area since 1950. The full-service credit union for retail and business members offers everything from checking and savings account to mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, and insurance. Provident began as the California Teachers Association Credit Union and expanded over the years to include those who live and work in the surrounding counties of the Bay Area and beyond. Discover the best in retail and business banking 鈥� learn more at
Major Smarts is a consultancy that develops and implements programs and partnerships designed to level the playing field for students by combatting the student loan debt crisis. Created by Gabrielle Clifford in 2017, the organization has worked with community colleges and universities all over the U.S. to implement programs that upskill and prepare students to make informed decisions about their futures and navigate the higher education landscape effectively. Major Smarts aims to fill the financial literacy gap and remains committed to focusing on underserved student populations
Contact:
Erica Dominguez
edominguez@ndnu.edu
650-564-7675