Credit union continues commitment to philanthropy; Awards Valley high school graduates and college freshman with scholarships for community service
PHOENIX, AZ (June 28, 2013) Desert Schools Federal Credit Union, the largest not-for-profit membership-based financial institution in the state of Arizona, announced the recipients of its 8th annual Community Service Scholarships.
Desert Schools Community Service Scholarships have been awarded to seven high school seniors and three college freshmen that have shown dedication to their studies and continued education as well as their commitment to giving back to the community.
The credit union awarded one $10,000 scholarship, two $5,000 scholarships and four $2,500 scholarships to exemplary high school seniors. Each student was required to complete at least 50 hours of community service between July 2012 and March 2013 to be eligible for selection.
One $10,000, one $5,000 and one $2,500 scholarship was awarded to the selected college freshmen students who completed at least 40 hours of community service between July 2012 and March 2013.
This year, Desert Schools’ 2013 scholarship recipients completed more than 50 hours of service combined, donating their time to Valley community organizations.
All students maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above, and are either members of the credit union, or the child or relative of a current member.
Each of the high school senior recipients have plans to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two or four-year college or university located in Arizona, with coursework beginning in the fall of 2013. The college freshmen recipients were awarded funding for their sophomore year in the fall 2013 at an accredited two or four-year college or university in Arizona.
As the largest not-for-profit membership-based financial institution in the state of Arizona, Desert Schools Federal Credit Union has built its foundation on a fundamental passion for lending a personal hand toward positive change throughout Valley communities.
Susan Frank, President and CEO of Desert Schools said, “From our start 75 years ago, our commitment to education has only grown stronger as we have become a local and trusted financial partner. As an organization, we truly believe that every student should be able to pursue their dream of obtaining a college degree, regardless of their financial situation.”
In addition to its scholarship program, the credit union encourages its employees to get involved in the same philanthropic spirit by which the organization has prided itself in. The Desert Schools ‘CommuniTeam’ – a group made up of dedicated employee volunteers – is active throughout Valley communities and offers Desert Schools’ employees the opportunity to volunteer their time and philanthropic talents throughout the community. Participating in nearly 120 community projects in the Phoenix-metropolitan area, 45% of Desert Schools’ employees got involved with or led community projects in 2012, volunteering 2,931 hours to support various causes.
The credit union remained committed to giving back financially in 2012 and coordinated fundraising efforts with employees, vendors and partners to give back more than $770,000 to the community, raising $395,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network, $244,000 for the United Way and $110,000 in community grants.
For more information on Desert Schools Federal Credit Union’s Community Service Scholarships – including application guidelines and requirements, please visit www.desertschools.org/scholarship or contact Francisco Avalos by email atFrancisco.avalos@desertschools.org.
About Desert Schools Federal Credit Union
Desert Schools is Arizona’s largest credit union with $3 billion in assets, 312,000 members and more than 50 locations. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Schools has been serving members for more than 70 years with stellar service, innovative products, community outreach and education. Learn more at www.desertschools.org.