TULLAHOMA, Tenn., June 10, 2024 –Ascend Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee, announced today that it has awarded $2,500 scholarships to 10 members. This is the 22nd consecutive year Ascend has shown its commitment to education by providing scholarships to members to further their academic pursuits.

Winners of the 2024 Ascend Federal Credit Union Scholarship are:

• LaDaysha Ayers – Nashville, TN – Belmont University

• Jordyn Cedeno – Nolensville, TN – Tennessee State University

• LaNyiah Clemons – Lascassas, TN – Austin Peay State University

• Ashley Cope – Bell Buckle, TN – University of Tennessee Southern

• Cynthia Gray – Tullahoma, TN – Emory University

• Marisol Hernandez – Belvidere, TN – Motlow State Community College

• Esther Huai – Nashville, TN – University of Pennsylvania

• Dawna McGinnis – Maynardville, TN – University of Tennessee-Knoxville

• Sophie Rettinger – Mount Pleasant, TN – University of North Alabama

• Zainab Shonibare – Nashville, TN – Vanderbilt University

“Because of their efforts and dedication in the classroom, Ascend is proud to present scholarships to these 10 students,” said Ascend Chief Strategy Officer Leslie Copeland. “For more than two decades, the credit union has proudly provided assistance for members seeking to continue their education, and we hope that these contributions will help them reach their academic objectives.”

Since starting its scholarship program in 2003, Ascend has awarded $281,000 to 236 members.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be members of Ascend Federal Credit Union and plan to enroll or prove enrollment as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, technical or trade school in pursuit of an associate, bachelors, masters or other advanced-degree program in the next academic year.

Details for Ascend scholarships for the 2025 academic year will be posted at ascend.org later this year. Scholarship winners may reapply for the next academic year if they meet program requirements. Ascend employees, officials and any of their family members are excluded from eligibility.

About Ascend Federal Credit Union

With more than 240,000 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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