Sierra Central Credit Union donates $20,000 in scholarships to local students

Sierra Central Credit Union awarded 20 college students from the region with academic scholarships to support their educational goals and career pursuits. Each student received $1,000, contributing to a total community scholarship investment of $20,000. "The Sierra Central Community Foundation is committed to supporting educational opportunities across ourregion," said Jamie Keith, Foundation Scholarship Chair. "Our annual scholarship program reflects our belief thatevery student deserves the chance to pursue their dreams." This year's recipients were presented with their checks on May 14 at Sierra Central's headquarters duringthe annual scholarship photo event. While some students are pursuing their degrees close to home, others areattending universities across California, Idaho, and New York, working toward majors ranging from the sciencesand engineering to nursing, teaching, and psychology. Local recipients include Anthony Ramos of Loomis, who is attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to study civil engineering, and Gabriel Yap of Rocklin, who is a nursing major at Gonzanga University. The Sierra Central Scholarship Program has grown significantly since its inception—from a handful of smallawards to 20 scholarships of $1,000 each, granted annually to deserving high school seniors and current collegestudents. Scholarship applications are accepted each year from Jan. 1 through March 31, with winnersannounced in May. To apply, students must live or work in one of the counties Sierra Central serves and be either a high school senior or a current college student. Past recipients who are still enrolled in college are welcome to reapply. Program information can be accessed throughout the year at SierraCentral.com/youth. "At Sierra Central, we believe responsible banking goes beyond accounts and loans—it's about investing inpeople. Our Foundation's Scholarship Program reflects that belief by supporting students who are working hardto create brighter futures for themselves and their communities," Keith added. "With more than 149 applicationssubmitted from across Northern California, the caliber of applicants this year were remarkable, making itincredibly challenging for our judges to select the top 20."