Getting ready to go to college is exciting, but it can also be a challenge especially with the rising costs of tuition, books, room and board, etc.
HFS Federal Credit Union understands the burden that these costs can be.
That’s why the credit union began awarding scholarships 11 years ago to help local students achieve their dreams of a higher education and to ease the financial burden.
So far, over $200,000 in scholarships have been awarded to more than 80 recipients. Previous recipients have gone on to study in fields such as education, law, nursing, automotive mechanics, fire science, art and more.
Applications for the HFS Scholarship Program are now being accepted. The program is open to current Big Island high school seniors in the graduating class of 2023, and to existing college students.
Student members of HFS pursuing higher education full-time at an accredited two- or four-year vocational-technical school, college or university in the 2023-2024 academic year are eligible to apply.
Recipients will be selected based on a variety of criteria, including academic performance, achievements and community service.
The credit union has increased the number of scholarships that will be awarded for a total of $37,500 to selected students.
Ten Big Island high school seniors and five college students will be awarded scholarships of $2,500 each.
For a complete list of requirements and to apply, students may visit hfsfcu.org or inquire with their high school counselors.
Completed applications with supporting documents must be submitted online no later than Tuesday, Feb. 28.