TULLAHOMA, Tenn., August 27, 2024 — Ascend Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee, has awarded four scholarships to first-generation college students attending local Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Two students from both Tennessee State University and Fisk University received $5,000 scholarships – a total of $20,000 in scholarship funding.

“At Ascend, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities,” said Ascend President and CEO Matt Jernigan. “By awarding these scholarships to first-generation students at Fisk and TSU, we are not just investing in their futures, but also in the future of our Middle Tennessee communities. We are proud to support these exceptional students as they embark on their educational journeys and strive to make a lasting impact on the world.”

Tennessee State University, a public historically black land-grant university in Nashville, Tennessee, is the only state-funded historically Black university in the state. Fisk University, the oldest higher education institution in Nashville, is a private Black liberal arts college and was the first African American institution to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Both universities serve the Middle Tennessee community by delivering innovation, talent, and economic development.

“We are deeply grateful to Ascend Federal Credit Union for their generous commitment to our first-generation students,” said Jermaine Fisher, Fisk University scholarship coordinator. “Fisk University has prioritized increasing opportunity and encouraging further advancement of our student body for more than 150 years. These scholarships will aid our students by providing invaluable support while they strive for academic excellence.”

Fisk University selected La’Niyah Lumpkin and Jayla Bibbs as its recipients. Sadia Rodgers and Dimitrius Ausby were selected by Tennessee State University.

“This scholarship from Ascend is greatly appreciated by Tennessee State University,” said Dr. Lin Li, professor of civil engineering and interim dean of the College of Engineering. “It is important to our faculty to support our first-generation students. The funding will aid Sadia and Dimitrius in continuing their studies at TSU.”

The contributions align with Ascend’s ongoing efforts to support diverse communities across Middle Tennessee.

About Ascend Federal Credit Union

With more than 243,000 members and more than $4.4 billion in assets, Ascend Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee and one of the largest federally chartered credit unions in the United States. Based in Tullahoma, Tenn., the member-owned financial institution offers banking, loan, retirement, and investment services from its 28 branches, more than 55,000 free ATMs worldwide, digital banking portal, and mobile app. The credit union’s mission is to serve by offering financial literacy education and giving back to its community in a variety of ways. Ascend is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. For more information, visit ascend.org.

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