SAN JOSE, CA (June 30, 2020) — As part of its annual scholarship program, First Tech Federal Credit Union, the nation’s sixth-largest credit union serving technology companies, has awarded $60,000 in scholarships to 12 college students throughout the country.

First Tech is dedicated to helping our communities’ next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators thrive. Recognizing higher costs as a barrier to education for many, First Tech has dedicated more than $300,000 in scholarships toward higher education over more than a decade. This year’s recipients’ intended majors span STEM subjects like engineering, computer science and biochemistry, as well as international relations, special education and speech-language pathology.

“We are pleased to provide scholarships to these deserving young men and women. The road before them will be filled with obstacles and opportunities while demanding higher levels of resiliency and perseverance. We will watch with interest and active support as this next generation of bright minds builds upon the successes and struggles of parents and mentors while taking industry and our greater society into new frontiers and a brighter future.” says Greg Mitchell, president and CEO at First Tech. “We remain resolute in our support of young minds and the amazing First Tech members who made these scholarships possible.”

Please see below for the 2020 scholarship recipients and their plans for the future:

• Alissa Allen is from Lehi, Utah, and will be attending Brigham Young University to study biochemistry. Alissa plans to pursue medical research to help develop life-changing medicines to improve lives.

• Kate Bandettini is from Portland, Ore., and will be attending Oregon State University to study bioengineering. Kate hopes to use her education to make a meaningful difference in the lives of senior citizens.

• Trisha Chau is from Portland, Ore., and will be attending Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine. Trisha plans to apply her education in medicine to make change for the greater good, especially in times like these.

• Teresa Hoffman is from Keene, N.H., and will be attending Antioch University New England to study clinical psychology. Teresa hopes her scholarship will allow her to focus on her graduate work in mental health services and be fully present with her clients.

• Jiawoei Hu is from Coachella, Calif., and will be attending California State University San Bernardino to study special education. Jiawoei is looking forward to making a difference in the lives of his future students and serving his greater community.

• Anna Mendelsohn is from Palo Alto, Calif., and will be attending the University of California San Diego to study archaeology. Anna looks to apply her education by finding ways to reduce prejudice and bias in local communities through anthropological and archaeological research and community projects.

• Annalisa Mueller-Eberstein is from Woodinville, Wash., and will be attending the University of Washington to study international relations and materials science engineering. Annalisa plans to combine these tracks to pursue a career as a foreign service specialist and hopes to educate others with her experience.

• Julie Preast is from Ansted, W.Va., and will be pursuing a degree in speech-language pathology. As the spouse of a disabled veteran, Julie plans to use her education to support other veterans who live with mental health disorders.

• Shivani Thakor is from Portland, Ore., and will be attending Oregon State University to study microbiology. Shivani looks to empower other individuals in her community and remind them that their potential is limitless.

• Timothy Walz is from Sublimity, Ore., and will be attending Chemeketa Community College to study chemistry. Timothy plans to leverage his scholarship by prioritizing his education and volunteering in his community.

• Ethan Wickman is from Portland, Ore., and will be attending Oregon State University to study computer science. Ethan hopes his scholarship will allow him to spend time volunteering and advocating for charitable organizations.

• Lillian Wu is from Corvallis, Ore., and will be attending University of Arizona. While studying biochemistry, Lillian also plans to be actively involved in multicultural arts within her community, especially dance.

For more information on the First Tech scholarship program, visit https://www.firsttechfed.com/discover-first-tech/discover-first-tech/scholarships.

About First Tech Federal Credit Union

First Tech Federal Credit Union is a $14+ billion institution headquartered in San Jose, California. It is the nation’s premier credit union serving the world’s leading technology-oriented companies and their employees, including HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Microsoft, Agilent, Intel, Cisco, Amazon, Nike, Intuit, Google, and more. First Tech is recognized as the industry catalyst for delivering effortless banking experiences to more than 620,000 members through its 41 branch locations, more than 5,600 CO-OP Shared Branch locations, 30,000 CO-OP Network ATMs, and online platforms. First Tech offers a full range of financial services, including traditional banking, online banking, mortgages, financial planning, various consumer loans, and insurance services. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. For more information, visit www.firsttechfed.com.

About First Tech Federal Credit Union’s Community Commitment

First Tech Federal Credit Union is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators. In 2019, First Tech provided more than $3.36 million in charitable giving and more than 30,000 employee volunteer hours to the community; directing dollars and time to nonprofit partners who provide programs and services to children and families in need. First Tech’s philanthropic focus areas include support for education (STEM, early childhood literacy and financial education), research (Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and supportive health services for children) and innovation (food, shelter and safety). Visit firsttechfed.com/community to learn more about the ways First Tech pays it forward throughout the year.