GF-BIGscholarship

This scholarship was initiated by Ms. Sarah Fleming, a long-time member of FedChoice Federal Credit Union. The Guy Fleming Educational Scholarship celebrates the legacy of Mr. Guy Fleming and underscores the vital role of financial education for young individuals. Ms. Fleming passionately believes in the transformative power of education and aims to create more opportunities for deserving students from underserved communities. The FedChoice Charitable Foundation (FCF) is partnering with Blacks In Government (BIG) to promote this scholarship program nationwide.

Program Highlights:

• Ten $1,000 Educational Scholarships: In its second year, we are proud to offer ten scholarships to college-bound or trade school-bound high school seniors.
• Eligibility: Any college-bound or trade school-bound high school senior from a Title 1 School nationwide can apply.
• Winners Announcement: Scholarship recipients will be announced in early August 2025
• Winner’s Expectations: All winners will be requested to provide a photo and short Bio for advertising.

Application Process:

To apply, students must:

1. Write a concise up to 500-word essay on one of the following topics:

Note on AI Usage: Limited use of AI (less than 15%) is permitted for initial idea generation only. All analysis, personal reflections, and final composition must be entirely your own work.

Essay Themes (Choose One):

Theme 1: “90 Years of Financial Empowerment: How FedChoice FCU Has Transformed Underserved Communities”

As FedChoice Federal Credit Union celebrates its 90th anniversary, reflect on the historical role credit unions have played in providing financial services to underserved communities. How has access to credit union services helped bridge economic gaps, and what role do you see credit unions playing in building financial equity in the future?

Theme 2: “Dual Milestones, Shared Mission: Celebrating 90 Years of FedChoice FCU and 50 Years of BIG”

This year marks both the 90th anniversary of FedChoice FCU and the 50th anniversary of Blacks In Government (BIG). Explore how these two organizations have worked to create opportunities and advancement for underrepresented communities. How might their continued collaboration further strengthen economic empowerment in the next generation?

Theme 3: “Financial Inclusion: Breaking Barriers in Underserved Communities”

Examine the historical barriers to financial services in underserved communities and how organizations like FedChoice FCU have worked to overcome them. What innovative approaches would you suggest to further expand financial inclusion in today’s digital economy?

1. Submit application and essay online at www.fedchoicegives.org/GF-BIGscholarship

by 11:59 pm Central Standard time Monday, June 2, 2025.

Student Scholarship Selection Criteria:

Applicants must:

• Be a graduating high school senior.
• Plan to attend a post-secondary institution (university, college, or trade school) in the fall of 2025 and provide an acceptance letter.
• Include a recommendation letter from their school counselor and/or teacher.

For further information contact Deena Sheppard, BIG’s Guy Fleming Scholarship Committee Chair at deena.sheppard@bigrv.org