Press
Desert Schools Announces Annual Community Service Scholarship Programs
Phoenix, AZ – January 23, 2012 – Desert Schools Federal Credit Union, the largest not-for-profit membership-based financial institution in the state of Arizona, announced today its 8th annual Community Service Scholarships, available to Valley high school seniors and college freshmen.
Desert Schools Community Service Scholarships will be awarded to seven high school seniors and four college freshmen who are able to show dedication to their studies and continued education as well as their commitment to giving back to the community.
The credit union will award one $10,000 scholarship, one $5,000 scholarship and five $1,000 scholarships to qualifying, exemplary high school seniors.
High school seniors wishing to apply must have completed at least 50 hours of community service between July 1, 2011 and March 2, 2012, the deadline date for this year’s scholarship applicants.
In addition, students interested in applying for one of Desert Schools’ seven Community Service Scholarships available to high school seniors must be a 2012 graduate and must have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above. All applicants must be a member, or the child or relative of a current Desert Schools Federal Credit Union member with 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 2012.
Current college freshmen looking for funding for their sophomore year in Fall 2012 at an accredited two or four-year college or university in Arizona, may apply for one of Desert Schools’ four available scholarships.
One $5,000, one $3,000 and two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to selected applicants who have completed at least 40 hours of community service between July 1, 2011 and the scholarship applicant deadline date of March 2, 2012.
Applicants must have graduated high school in Spring 2011 and must have accumulated at least 12 college credits in the Fall 2011 semester. Additionally, applicants must be enrolled in at least 12 credits for the Spring 2012 semester, must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must be a member themselves or the child or relative of a current member of Desert Schools Federal Credit Union.
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, “A good education is so important, but the reality is that affording it can be a real challenge. That’s why we’re proud to offer the 2012 Desert Schools Community Service Scholarships to some of the brightest, most motivated students in our community. We are honored to award and recognize exemplary students each year who have given back to their communities and have shown a true dedication to taking an active role in supporting the spirit of philanthropy throughout the Valley.”
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 the community and offers Desert Schools’ employees the opportunity to volunteer their time and talents on projects throughout the community. In 2011, 45% of Desert Schools’ employees participated in community projects, volunteering 2,902 hours for 126 community projects.
The credit union remained committed to giving back financially in 2011 and coordinated fundraising efforts with employees, vendors and partners to give back more than $770,000 to the community, raising $360,285 for the Children’s Miracle Network, $224,178 for the United Way and $96,000 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 at Francisco.avalos@desertschools.org.
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About Desert Schools Federal Credit Union
Desert Schools is Arizona’s largest credit union with $3 billion in assets, 370,000 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.