SANDY, Utah–Mountain America Credit Union, through its Mountain America Foundation, has awarded 120 students with $2,500 Elevate Scholarships totaling $300,000.
The scholarships were awarded to students from 79 high schools across the credit union’s six-state footprint and aim to support academic dreams by providing greater access to higher education.
“Education plays a pivotal role in preparing people for a successful future. We applaud these students and their continued pursuit of higher education,” President and CEO Sterling Nielsen said in a statement. “We commit daily to making a positive impact on our members’ lives and in our communities. This exemplifies one of the ways we support youth and their families to achieve their academic dreams.”
In the second year of the Elevate Scholarship program, Mountain America said it received more than 400 applications. Applicants are pursuing academic excellence in a wide variety of careers including mechanical engineering, elementary education, nursing, marine transportation, and psychology.
The criteria used to assess candidates includes factors such as academic records, core values, involvement in the community, leadership efforts, and letters of recommendation.
“We understand the crucial role education plays in the lives of our youth and recognize the financial pressure our students and their families may feel,” Suzanne Oliver, executive director of the foundation, said in a statement. “We take pride in backing these great students and hope their scholarships provide them more opportunities to access higher education and a bright future.”