SCHOLARSHIPS

Affinity Federal Credit Union, Basking Ridge, N.J., awarded six high school students with scholarship grants. The grants were funded through the Affinity Federal Credit Union Fun, a 501(c) (3) charity corporation. To qualify for the grant students had to be a member of the credit union, excel academically, show commitment to the community, participate in extracurricular activities and an essay. The recipients were Thabo D’Anjou, Jessica DePrima, Keiona Eady, Crystal Himes, Andy Yuan-Jay Lee and Brian Thorn. Over the past five years, the foundation has awarded students a total of $75,500 in scholarships.

American 1 Federal Credit Union, Jackson, Mich. awarded 10 area high school graduates with $1,000 scholarships. All 10 students were highly involved in extra curricular activities and their community. Each student also wrote an essay on the benefits of altruism and how they improved their community through service. The scholarships were funded through American 1′s skip-a-pay program where members can skip one month’s loan payment for a $25 donation. American 1 has rewarded high school seniors with scholarships since 2000.

Altura Credit Union, Riverside, Calif., awarded a total of $42,000 in scholarships this year. Each of 42 students were awarded an $1,000 scholarship. The total is $20,000 more than Altura awarded in scholarships in 2007. A record number of 327 students applied for scholarships this year. The scholarship program is funded by Altura members, $5 from the one-time $12 membership fee goes to the scholarship fund. Scholarship recipients were selected based on their academic record, extracurricular activities, financial need and an essay detailing their college goals. This year, 38 general scholarships were awarded and four memorial scholarship were awarded.