Portland, OR. First Tech Federal Credit Union, the nation’s eighth-largest credit union, awarded $60,000 in scholarships to 12 college students throughout the country as part of its annual scholarship program, including Kyler Lawbaugh who attends the Oregon State University.
This year’s recipients’ majors span STEM subjects like Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, and Pharmacy, as well as a variety of other subjects including International Political Economy, Interior Design, and Anthropology.
These scholarships allowed First Tech to achieve its goal of awarding $1 Million towards education in 2021. First Tech is dedicated to helping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators thrive within the communities it serves. Recognizing higher costs as a barrier to education for many, First Tech has dedicated $730,000 in scholarships since 2008.
“It is an honor to continue our tradition of supporting the education and career aspirations of accomplished young individuals. The pandemic has only emphasized how cost can limit access to education, and we want to do our part in addressing this barrier,” says Greg Mitchell, President and CEO at First Tech. “Each recipient has overcome obstacles and demonstrated resoluteness and courage in pursuit of their goals. Along with their parents, mentors, and communities, we believe in their bright futures and look forward to the great contributions they will make to society.”
Please see below for the 2021 scholarship recipients and how the program is shaping their plans for the future:
• Ashley Liang is attending Dartmouth College. She said, “This award is really helping me reduce my stress of paying for college. I will be able to spend my college years pursuing and exploring my interests without worrying as much about making ends meet.”
• Kyler Lawbaugh is attending Oregon State University. He said, “Investing in the future is so important and First Tech is helping my generation by supporting the engineers and professionals that will change the world. I see us advancing technology, improving energy, caring for the environment, and providing a healthier and happier community for everyone. I can’t wait for my first year in college coming up this fall term!”
• Gretchen Rude is attending the University of Montana. She said, “To receive this award is a reminder that I am on the right path. I love working with children and providing social-emotional education is so critical, especially given the current climate. This award will allow me to focus on providing the highest level of care and support to all students.”
• Trinity Nixon is attending College of Idaho. She said, “This scholarship is showing me how much the STEM industry wants me to succeed. As a woman, it is very intimidating entering a field of primarily male individuals, but it helps to know that I have my family, friends, and industry behind me. I cannot wait to pursue medical school and help pave the way for more women to come into STEM!”
• Chloe Moore is attending Trinity College, Dublin. She said, “The First Tech Federal Credit Union Scholarship will allow me to succeed in my educational goals and build a career in politics and social policy. I am so thankful for this scholarship for aiding me in my quest to obtain the education I desire while lessening the financial burden placed on my family.”
• Patrizha Angela Schroth is attending Portland State University. She said, “I am excitedly working toward completing my master’s degree on the road to becoming a medical speech-language pathologist. Currently, I am working two jobs; doing volunteer work, and interning at OHSU while taking a full course load. Given how busy my day-to-day life is, receiving help with tuition in any way so that I can focus on my studies without worrying about money is such a blessing! I truly appreciate First Tech’s generosity and support for students who are working toward their dreams.”
• Kalyani Kukkadapu is attending the University of Washington. She said, “I’m honored to receive this award as it will help me continue my education at UW and allow me to completely focus on my academics without having to divide my focus. This scholarship will lower the amount of time I need to work and help me find other experiences that will further my goal to go to medical school.”
• Kristian Hernández Salazaris attending Grand Canyon University. He said, “This scholarship opens up my dreams to a world of opportunities for me to create new innovative and invaluable robots which will have a substantial impact to improve the social, economic, and environmental areas of our society as a whole.”
• Danielle Butcher-Tuckeris attending Linfield University. She said, “Thank you so much for selecting me to receive the First Tech Scholarship. This scholarship has allowed me to complete my final semester at Linfield University School of Nursing. As a single-income household, this financial gift has allowed me to focus exclusively on my studies without having the added financial burden of paying for school. Thank you for supporting my dream to serve my community as a registered nurse.”
• Hannah Smith is attending the University of Texas at Austin. She said, “My scholarship award from First Tech FCU brings me one giant step closer to becoming a leader in human-centered and social justice-oriented design. I am so honored to attend the University of Texas School of Architecture and am immensely grateful for this gift toward my graduate degree. Thank you!”
• Vicky Siah is attending Stanford University. She said, “This scholarship helps to alleviate the financial burden of college—I would not be able to afford my tuition without it. Thank you, First Tech, for setting my future’s foundation and making my Stanford dream a reality!”
• Jenee Cozine is attending the University of San Francisco. She said, “I am honored and humbled to receive the First Tech Federal Credit Union Scholarship. As a graduate student in the Counseling Psychology Master’s program at the University of San Francisco, I have been studying ways people heal. This award will go a long way to advance my dream of supporting children and families who have experienced trauma in their healing process.”
For more information on the First Tech scholarship program, visit https://www.firsttechfed.com/discover/scholarships 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 2020, First Tech provided $2.23 million in charitable giving and more than 77% of employees participated in community engagement; 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, financial education and scholarships), research (Credit Union for Kids and Supportive Health Service) and innovation (food, safety and shelter). Visit www.firsttechfed.com/community to learn more about the ways First Tech pays it forward throughout the year.
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 39 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.
