LOWELL, Mass. –Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union has awarded $17,000 in college scholarships to members through its MoneyStrong College Scholarship and Employee Scholarship Programs. The recipients are comprised of both soon-to-be and current college students.
The winners of the 20th annual MoneyStrong College Scholarship Program were asked to write an essay in response to the following prompt: “Credit is borrowed money that you can use to purchase goods and services when you need them. In your essay, explain why credit is important, and how a good credit score can help you achieve your goals.”
The credit union granted funds to 21 students. Of the winners, 17 are high school seniors gearing up for their freshman year of college, and four are currently attending various colleges in the area.
Through the Employee Scholarship Program, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union employees, as well as an employee’s child or grandchild, are eligible to receive a $500 or $1,000 scholarship. There are six different scholarships available, three of which were instituted to memorialize former Jeanne D’Arc employees and board members, and three were awarded commemorating the Credit Union’s commitment to supporting local non-profit organizations. The credit union awarded a total of $4,500 through the Employee Program.
Recipients are typically honored at an on-site ceremony at Jeanne D’Arc’s headquarters, but given the current restrictions, all recipients were notified and mailed their scholarship awards. They will also be featured on Jeanne D’Arc’s social media accounts.
“Of course, we wish we could celebrate the accomplishments with our award recipients, but regardless, we are happy to be able to continue our commitment to education and help ease the burden of college costs in any way we can,” said Mark S. Cochran, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union.
Recipients of the Employee Scholarships include: Paige Dame, Seton Hall University; Kirsten DiCicco, Castleton University; Samantha Fagundes, University of Massachusetts Lowell; Hailey Fitch, Worcester State University; Hannah Gosselin, Rochester Institute of Technology; Brenna Lorenzen, Ithaca College