Huntington Woods Student Receives $5,000 Scholarship from Community Choice Foundation

Community Choice Credit Union, serving eight counties located in Southeast Michigan, announced today that its foundation awarded $100,000 in college scholarships to 20 high school seniors on Thursday, May 9. Amanda Schwartz who attends Berkley High School and is from Huntington Woods will attend the University of Michigan and has pledged to use her education to give back her local communities.

“If people had half the passion that some Detroiters have for their city, then our problems would be substantially reduced,” said Schwartz. “Oftentimes, the entire state of Michigan is looked at through a negative light. It is my fervent hope that I can use my political science degree to connect all the different political factions so that there can be a team effort to do what is best for the state, with an emphasis on helping Detroit.”

The Credit Union’s attempt to help solve Michigan’s brain drain coincides with efforts by Gov. Rick Snyder who held an economic summit in March focused on creating jobs and ending the brain drain. Census data reveals that Michigan experienced a 6.17 percent loss of its population with college degrees between 2000 and 2009; the largest drop amongst all 50 states.

On May 9, Credit Union and Foundation Officials were joined by legislators and school officials to celebrate the scholar’s achievements and award them their scholarships. The celebration featured keynote speaker Stephanie Bergeron, President and CEO of Walsh College.

“I admire the focus of Community Choice Foundation scholarships: keeping our best and brightest students in Michigan,” said Bergeron. “This pioneering effort to curtail the brain drain and promote Michigan’s success is exactly the right educational initiative.”

The Credit Union saw the biggest response since offering the scholarships with 335 applicants who applied this year. Criteria for selection of the winners included: GPA, volunteer service, a commitment to attend an accredited college in Michigan, a pledge to utilize each individual’s education to give back to Michigan communities, and county of residence. Credit Union team members demonstrated an increased commitment to the scholar program, with nearly $5,000 donated last year, effectively providing one scholarship to a 2013 student.

About Community Choice Credit Union: Established in 1935, Community Choice Credit Union offers a wide variety of financial products and services for both consumers and businesses. Any individual who lives, works, or worships in the following counties is eligible to become a member owner of Community Choice Credit Union: Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw or Wayne County, Michigan. Since 2008, through the Community Choice Foundation, the Credit Union has invested more than $500,000 and 8,000 volunteer hours into its charitable efforts throughout Michigan. For more information, visit CommunityChoiceCUFoundation.com