High School, College Students Eligible for up to $85,000 in Scholarships from Michigan First Credit Union

Video and essay contests for students include three $10,000 awards

LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich. – January 12, 2015 – Michigan First Credit Union, in conjunction with its young adult financial education program, Young & Free Michigan, announced today the kickoff of its annual scholarship contest. The financial institution will give away up to $85,000 in scholarships—including three $10,000 first-place awards—to graduating high school seniors and current college students. Over the past 11 years, Michigan First has given away more than $820,000 in scholarships to local students. Michigan First President/CEO Michael Poulos made the announcement.

The three scholarship categories include a high school video contest, a high school essay contest and a college video contest. Depending on the category, applicants can create their response with a 60 second video or a 300-word essay. For each category, this year’s question is, “How will your degree help you improve the state of Michigan?”

“As a credit union founded by teachers, education is at the center of our mission,” Poulos said. “With our recent expansion into the Grand Rapids market, this will be the first year we include West Michigan students in the scholarship program—which we know will continue to create opportunities and have a positive impact on our state.”

The top 10 applicants in each category will be determined by online voting and a panel of judges will choose the final winners. The top three winners in each category will receive a $10,000 scholarship, and runners up will receive $5,000 and $3,000 scholarships. Additionally, Michigan First will select more than 30 additional high school applicants to receive $1,000 scholarships.

The Michigan First Foundation—a nonprofit founded in 2012 by the credit union with a focus on youth and education in metro Detroit—funds the scholarships as part of more than $150,000 in contributions to local charitable organizations and students each year.

Applications will be accepted from January 12, 2015, through February 9, 2015, at YoungFreeMichigan.com. All applicants must be high school seniors or current college students, as well as members of Michigan First, but interested students throughout Michigan may join the credit union when they apply for the contest. The public voting for the top videos and essays will take place between February 12 and 19, determining the top 10 finalists in each category. The winners will be announced by March 6.

 

About Michigan First Credit Union

Founded in 1926 by a small group of Detroit teachers, Lathrup Village-­based Michigan First Credit Union (MichiganFirst.com) has grown into a $700 million financial institution serving more than 100,000 individuals and local businesses statewide. An industry leader in consumer-focused technology and dedicated customer service, the credit union is also a significant supporter of local financial education, community and charitable organizations. Largely through the efforts of the Michigan First Foundation, the credit union will donate more than $150,000 to nonprofits and scholarships this year. For the latest news, and events, Follow Michigan First on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/MichiganFirstCU or “Like” Michigan First on Facebook http://www.Facebook.com/MichiganFirstCreditUnion.

 

About Young & Free Michigan

Young & Free Michigan, powered by Michigan First Credit Union, is an ongoing effort to give the 17-to-25 crowd a voice, a head start and useful information about their finances. Spokesperson Ebeth Fielder uses the site’s blog, videos and frequent community appearances to share insight into the best ways to handle financial issues and encourage young adults to take advantage of Michigan First’s First Gear account, tailored specifically to their needs. Learn more at www.YoungFreeMichigan.com.

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Luke Capizzo
248.258.2333
[email protected]