National Credit Union Foundation Opens Registration for 2027 Development Education Program as DE Approaches Its 45th Year

Expanded in-person schedule creates more opportunities for credit union leaders to experience one of the movement’s most respected programs 

The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) opened registration for the first three in-person classes and the November virtual class of its 2027 Credit Union Development Education (DE) program. 

Since 1982, DE has brought credit union professionals together to explore what makes the cooperative movement different, why its mission matters, and what becomes possible when that mission is put into action. As the program approaches its 45th year in 2027, demand continues to shape its future. The Foundation is expanding its in-person offerings to six classes next year, giving more professionals the chance to take part. 

DE goes well beyond a traditional classroom. Over five immersive days, participants explore cooperative principles, credit union history and the development issues that affect financial well-being, including housing, hunger, health, and the environment. Through group work, honest conversation, and hands-on experiences, they gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing members and communities, and how credit unions are uniquely positioned to address them.  

“For nearly 45 years, DE has been where credit union leaders discover, or rediscover, why this movement matters,” said Lauren Culp, CUDE, Executive Director of the National Credit Union Foundation. “More CEOs are making DE part of how they prepare future executives and strengthen their culture. Technical expertise is essential, but it isn’t what sets credit unions apart. DE connects leaders to the purpose behind their work and to a powerful network of peers advancing the future of the movement.” 

Graduates earn the Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE™) designation and join an alumni community of more than 3,600 professionals from over 35 countries. They return to their credit unions with new perspectives, lasting relationships and ideas they can put into action for their members and communities. 

“DE is a rite of passage in the credit union movement, and every class proves why,” said Christopher Morris, CUDE, Senior Director of the DE Program. “People arrive thinking they know what makes credit unions different, but they leave having experienced it. Earning the CUDE designation is a milestone, not a finish line.”  

Seats fill quickly, so the Foundation encourages organizations to identify their participants now and register as soon as their preferred class opens. Available for registration today: 

• January 25–29: Tampa, FL, hosted by Suncoast Credit Union 

• April 5–9: Tustin, CA, hosted by SchoolsFirst Credit Union 

• June 14–18: Madison, WI, hosted by TruStage 

• November 2–4, 8–10 and 16–18: Virtual 

Registration for the July 26–30, August 30–September 3, and October 4–8 classes in Madison, WI, hosted by TruStage opens March 15, 2027. If a class is full, interested participants can join the waitlist. 

The Foundation thanks its 2027 DE host partners, Suncoast Credit Union, SchoolsFirst Credit Union and TruStage, whose support makes these immersive experiences possible. 

To learn more and register, visit ncuf.coop/de.