Press
Desert Schools rolls out 2014 scholarship program; Celebrates 75 years of giving back to community
PHOENIX, AZ (December 17, 2013) — Desert Schools Federal Credit Union announced today its ninth annual Community Service Scholarship Program to reward exceptional Valley high school seniors and college freshmen dedicated to serving their communities.
Going into its 75th year of operation next month, Desert Schools’ 2014 Community Service Scholarship program offers just a hint of what the organization has planned for an upcoming banner year of giving back to the community. Ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, a limited number of scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors and college freshmen. In order to qualify for one of the scholarships, the students must be able to illustrate perseverance in their ongoing education, and also demonstrate their commitment to serving the community.
“Dedicating time and effort to improving our community is a civic duty that we’ve made a priority in our nearly 75 years in Arizona, and we’re excited to be able to reward students that do the same,” said Susan Frank, President and CEO of Desert Schools. “Being able to afford a college education can be challenging, and we hope that our Community Service Scholarships will make continued education possible for deserving, philanthropic students who share our dedication to strengthening the community around them.”
High school seniors bound for an accredited two- or four-year Arizona college or university in fall 2014 qualify for the scholarship, provided they have completed at least 50 hours of community service between January 1 and December 31, 2013.
High school students who meet the above qualifications and are interested in applying for one of Desert Schools’ Community Service Scholarships must also be a spring 2014 graduate, and must have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above. Additionally, the applicant must also be a member, or the child or relative of a current Desert Schools Federal Credit Union member.
Also available to college freshmen, Desert Schools provides scholarship opportunities to those who graduated high school in spring 2013 and have completed a minimum of 30 hours of community service between January 1 and December 31, 2013. The applicant must have completed at least 12 college credits both in the fall 2013 and spring 2014 semesters, and plan to attend an accredited two or four-year college or university in Arizona in fall 2014. He or she must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must be a member, or the child or relative of a current member of Desert Schools Federal Credit Union.
As an organization, Desert Schools actively strives to help individuals and their families throughout the Valley achieve a better quality of life through a variety of community enrichment programs. With community partnerships and an active employee CommuniTeam – a group of dedicated employee volunteers – Desert Schools consistently prioritizes community involvement and philanthropic efforts as a cornerstone of doing business in the Valley.
All scholarship applications must be mailed and postmarked by March 4, 2014. For more information on Desert Schools Federal Credit Union’s Community Service Scholarships, including a downloadable application, in addition to guidelines and requirements, please visit www.desertschools.org/scholarship or contact Lourdes Sierra by email at lourdes.sierra@desertschools.org.
About Desert Schools Federal Credit Union
Desert Schools is Arizona’s largest credit union with $3.4 billion in assets, 370,000 members and 50 locations. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Schools has been serving members for more nearly 75 years with stellar service, innovative products, community outreach and education. Learn more at www.desertschools.org.