TAMPA, Fla.– GTE Financial Credit Union has awarded 24 dedicated students with $2,500 scholarships.
A committee of some of the Bay area’s top professionals convened to select the scholarship recipients for the 11th annual student scholarship program. Winners will be announced at a scholarship awards banquet on August 10.
“We at GTE are proud to continue the annual tradition of helping students pursue their academic dreams and look for individuals who prioritize philanthropy as much as we do,” said Jennifer Maxfield, SVP and chief strategy officer. “We are honored to have so many incredible community leaders come together every year to ensure the integrity of this program.”
The scholarship program received over 450 applications from student members. The judging panel narrowed it down to the 24 final recipients, who had a combined total of 4,912 volunteer hours.
With nearly an average of 200 volunteer hours per winner, these students volunteered at many local Tampa Bay non-profits that work to end homelessness, hunger, and childhood diseases, the credit union said. In addition to non-profits, winners volunteered at many local hospitals, schools, and youth camps in the community.
The judging committee was comprised of 19 diverse business and community leaders in industries ranging from health to finance to education. The co-chairs were David Pizzo (Blue Cross Shield President) and Rhea Law (USF President). GTE Financial also partnered with an external firm that specializes in sponsored scholarship programs and helps collect, organize, and store all applications. The GTE Student Scholarship award assists eligible high school seniors and undergraduate students with tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment needed to pursue an undergraduate degree. Requirements include an essay stating the student’s experience in helping the local community and the impact of their involvement.