Main Menu

Search form

History

Your future, our history

In 1938, a small group of dedicated and concerned teachers met for the purpose of forming a financial cooperative for school employees and their families. From these very humble beginnings, Valley Strong Credit Union was founded and formed.

The first Valley Strong “office” was actually a small room located in the library of a local high school. A single volunteer conducted all the operations, with transaction receipts kept in a shoe box. By the end of our first year, Valley Strong had 141 individuals banking with us and approximately $1,300 in assets.

Simply stated, a lot has changed over the last three-quarters of a century. However, our commitment to serving all of California remains the same. That’s why more than 290,000 individuals representing nearly $4 billion in assets choose to bank with us.

Our mission is to turn people’s financial possibilities into financial realities. We work every day to create a better tomorrow for our children and families. We are here to stay and grow together. And, here to discover the best financial possibilities for the best possible outcomes.

From extensive loan programs, including home and auto, to the latest in digital technology, retirement and wealth management services, and business banking, Valley Strong is your lifelong financial partner.

So no matter what your financial possibilities may be, we are here to serve you.

Valley Strong Credit Union – Grow Your Possibilities

Credit Union Timeline

1938

Credit Union established at Bakersfield High School

1940

Granted federal charter as Kern County School Employees Federal Credit Union

1962

First branch opened on Oak Street

1969

Shortened name to Kern Schools Federal Credit Union

1974

Ming branch opened

1977

Mt. Vernon branch opened

1986

Town and Country branch opened

1997

Delano express branch opened

2000

Online banking launched

2002

Panama branch opened

2004

Tehachapi express branch opened

2008

Rosedale branch opened (moved to Artisan Square in 2017)

2012

DataMobile banking app launched

2013

Buena Vista branch opened

2014

Moved to new Corporate Office at 11500 Bolthouse Drive

2015

Celebrated 75th anniversary

2020

Kern Schools Federal Credit Union changed to Valley Strong and now serves the whole San Joaquin Valley.

2020

Saw the first expansion outside of Kern County with two branches opening in Tulare County (Tulare Branch, North Visalia)

2021

Porterville Opens

2021

Merge with Solano First Credit Union – adding 3 locations

2022

Central Visalia Opens

2022

Merge with Financial Center Credit Union – adding 6 locations

2022

Dinuba Opens