WATERFORD, Conn.–Charter Oak Federal Credit Union awarded $96,000 in college scholarships, the largest disbursement in the credit union’s history, during a private reception at its headquarters.
“Nearly $270,000 has been awarded over the past three years, benefitting over 130 students in eastern Connecticut,” said Brian A. Orenstein, Charter Oak’s president and CEO. “Our scholarship program has alleviated some of the financial burden associated with pursuing a college degree.”
Students attending high school in New London or Windham County have a significant advantage with Charter Oak’s scholarship program. The credit union, for the third year in a row, pledged to reward at least one high school senior from each eligible high school in New London and Windham counties with a $2,000 scholarship. At least one application was received from almost every high school within the two counties.
The credit union’s scholarship program was first expanded in 2015 and has since grown into a $90,000 college scholarship giveaway benefitting 45 students, each with a $2,000 scholarship.
In addition to the credit union’s $90,000 scholarship giveaway, Charter Oak said its Community Outreach Committee chose to pool their funds and to award an additional $6,000 in college scholarships. Funding for these three scholarships was made possible by the generous employees at Charter Oak who donate three dollars each week in exchange for dressing casually on Fridays. Community Outreach Award recipients included Erin Kieltyka from Killingly High School; Abigail Bryce Teczar from Killingly High School; and Jordane Virgo who is a student at the University of Connecticut.