Community Choice Credit Union, serving eight counties located in Southeast Michigan, announced today that its foundation is awarding $100,000 in college scholarships to 20 high school seniors on Thursday, May 9. Two of the scholarship recipients named below are from Brighton, will attend a university or college in Michigan, and pledge to use their education to give back to their local communities.
- Kate Yuhas
- Luke Roggenkamp
“I want to become a leader and a pioneer in water treatment,” said Roggenkamp. “I believe wholeheartedly that Michigan provides an amazing gateway into this field. I want to be the person to break down the barriers between industry leaders who are focused on profits and environmentalists who are focused on natural resources. I believe that as a chemical engineer, I can bridge that gap allowing industry to move forward while preserving the natural resources that are the trademark of the great state of Michigan.”
“I hope to work on the next hybrid car, introduce urban and organic farming, or develop more alternative energy sources in the state,” said Yuhas. “This is the way forward, and I feel that through education in the fields of technology, I can be a part of Michigan’s enrichment. But no matter what the future holds for this state and me, Pure Michigan will always be near and dear to my heart; and I will never turn my back on our pleasant peninsula.”
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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 will be joined by legislators and school officials to celebrate the scholar’s achievements and award them their scholarships. The celebration will feature keynote speaker Stephanie Bergeron, President and CEO of Walsh College.
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“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.