SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Awards $184,500 in Scholarships to 239 Students

A Federal Credit Union with a branch in Pasadena on South Lake Avenue has awarded $184,500 in college scholarships to 239 students located mostly in California.

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, located locally at 555 S. Lake Ave., was originally founded to serve school employees and their families in the greater Los Angeles area. While it has expanded over the years, the credit union maintains a strong presence and affiliation with the education community in Pasadena and surrounding regions.

The scholarships, part of the credit union’s annual Member Education Award program for 2024, were presented to high school seniors, college freshmen, and sophomores.

The Member Education Award scholarship program, now in its 25th year, was established in 2000 to improve the lives of SchoolsFirst FCU Members.

Scholarships are awarded based on factors such as grade point average, course difficulty, letters of recommendation, community involvement, school involvement, and leadership positions.

Eligible applicants must be SchoolsFirst FCU Members with their own Member number, have no more than 60 college credits, and be registered at an accredited college or university for the upcoming Fall term.

“Now in its 25th year, the Member Education Award scholarship program was created to honor well-rounded students who succeed in the classroom and contribute in a positive way to their communities,” said Josh Smith, Vice President of school and community relations for SchoolsFirst FCU.

“We’re proud to present scholarships this year to such well-deserving students who are focused on furthering their education.”

SchoolsFirst FCU, founded in 1934 when 126 school employees pooled $1,200 to establish a Member-owned cooperative, has grown to become the fifth-largest credit union in the country.

The organization, which has been recognized by Forbes as the number one credit union in California for five consecutive years, serves more than 1.3 million Members with a full range of financial products and services.

In 2024, SchoolsFirst FCU reported assets exceeding $30 billion.