LAUREL, Md.–Tower FCU’s TowerCares Foundation has awarded $150,000 in college scholarships.
Thirty college students studying STEM-related fields each received a $5,000 scholarship from the TowerCares Foundation. More than half of this year’s winners have parents who are affiliated with the Department of Defense or U.S. Military.
Since 2018, TowerCares has awarded momre than $500,000 in college scholarships, the credit union said.
The annual scholarship program is open to all current high school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are enrolled or plan to enroll in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) or foreign language linguistics majors. Winners are selected by an independent judging organization based upon academic performance, leadership, participation in school/community activities, work experience, and career/educational goals and objectives.
Additional consideration is given to children/dependents of active-duty military and Veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces, including Reserve and Guard units, and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees.
More than half of this year’s winners have one or both parents who are affiliated with the DoD or who currently serve or have served in the U.S. Military.
“TowerCares is proud to invest in the next generation of STEM leaders,” said TowerCares Foundation President Rick Stafford. “The annual scholarship program provides opportunity for students who want to change and improve the world, and helps relieve some of the financial burden of higher education for these exceptional young men and women and their families, many of whom have served our country in the military and defense communities.”
Scholarship winner Gianna Bleken, whose father serves in the U.S. Air Force, said the award will help her fulfill a dream she’s had since childhood. Bleken is entering her freshman year at Coastal Carolina University and plans to study Marine/Aquatic Biology.