ST. PAUL, Minn. (Dec. 4, 2017) – Affinity Plus Foundation has awarded 10 annual Campus Scholarships of $3,000 each to students at six Minnesota state universities and – new in 2017 – to students at four state community and technical colleges.

The foundation introduced the Campus Scholarship program in 2016, previously called the University Scholarship program, to increase support to Affinity Plus members in the campus communities the credit union serves across Minnesota.

Those universities include: Bemidji State University; Minnesota State University – Mankato; Minnesota State University – Moorhead; St. Cloud State University; University of Minnesota – Twin Cities; and Winona State University.

In 2017, the foundation expanded the program to include Affinity Plus members enrolled part or full time and in good academic standing at any accredited community or technical college in Minnesota.

SCHOLARSHIP IMPACT

“Thousands of students attend Minnesota community and technical colleges each year, and the education they receive continues to bring value to the communities we serve,” said Cary Tonne. Foundation board chair. “Growing the scholarship program just made good sense.”

Affinity Plus has branches on or near several college and university campuses, and credit-union staff often partner with instructors and student-services offices to provide financial education to students. Both the credit union and foundation also engage with community and technical colleges across the state with financial education and other outreach.

RECIPIENTS SHARE STORIES

Affinity Plus asked scholarship recipients to share thoughts about why banking at Affinity Plus helped them achieve their goals.

"Banking with Affinity plus Credit Union was a good decision that I made two years ago when I first came to United States of America as a new student,” said Theophine, the St. Cloud State University recipient. “I have created multiple accounts in order to have a more organized way of spending money and also save money.”

Lauren, the Minnesota State University – Mankato recipient, praised Affinity Plus staff for being “an amazing resource … [they] have helped me feel a sense of control over my financial future.  I work three jobs to pay my way through college and am committed to not only maintaining but also growing a savings account.”

Ann, the Itasca Community College recipient, had long dreamed of returning to school to become a librarian. Scholarship funds will continue to impact not only her education but her professional training, too. Ann recently secured a part-time librarian position “and I think I was a better candidate because my education is underway. In that way, the scholarship is helping me achieve my goals.”

Hope, the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities recipient, is a third-generation Affinity Plus member and is pursuing a finance degree from the Carlson School of Management.

Hope was a steady community volunteer throughout high school, and continues that service by serving food at Loaves and Fishes; raising funds for new playground equipment for a small Bangladeshi school; and working with Love Takes Root, a non-profit medical organization.

“I knew from all those early experiences just how much more fulfilling college would be if I continued to be involved in campus events as well as my local community," she said, noting that Affinity Plus mirrors her interest in community involvement because of its cooperative model and care-focused activities and values.

ABOUT THE AFFINITY PLUS FOUNDATION

The Affinity Plus Foundation is a 501(c)(3) serving Minnesota communities. Established in 2000, the foundation administers its own scholarship program, awards grants to non-profit groups and schools and supports financial education initiatives through partnerships, presentations and resources.

The Foundation operates on funds generated from its annual golf tournament and silent auction. It also receives funding from the Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union and donations from community members who believe in the impact and importance of financial education.

For more information about the foundation, or to support its efforts, please visit its website, contact the foundation at info@affinityplusfoundation.org or call (844) 493-4483.