SAFE Credit Union plans gifting $25,000 in scholarships to qualifying students

Regional students are being urged to apply for scholarships being awarded by SAFE Credit Union. Credit union officials say they are giving out $25,000 in scholarships that will be split among 10 recipients this year. To qualify, applicants or a parent or guardian must be a member of SAFE Credit Union. Students in schools in Alameda, Amador, Butte, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties are invited to apply for awards of $2,500 each. Scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors, community college students with 60 or fewer credits and trade school students. "We are so excited to offer our scholarships this year to more students and to those pursuing diverse paths in education," says SAFE Credit Union Community Impact Manager Lauren LeBov, noting SAFE began awarding scholarships nearly 25 years ago. "SAFE recognizes that pursuing one's dreams often presents a unique journey for everyone. SAFE's scholarship program is special in that we provide opportunities for varying educational pursuits, whether that means attending school at a community college or a university or learning a specialized skill from a trade school." The scholarship application deadline is Thursday, April 30. Applications are available and can be submitted at https://www.safecu.org/scholarships. Scholarship awards are based on merit, financial need and grade-point average. Scholarship committee members will also review each student's personal statement and a letter of recommendation. Submissions also require an introductory video component and proof of acceptance into a community college, trade school or university for the coming school year. "Our scholarship committee looks forward to reviewing each student's submission and learning more about their pursuits. Congratulations on starting your next chapter," says LeBov. SAFE has awarded more than $225,000 to students living in the 13 Northern California counties the credit union serves.