Affinity Foundation Announces 2024 Scholarship Winners
06 August 2024 - 2:30PM
Business Wire
Six New Jersey-based students were awarded
scholarships to pursue their higher-education objectives
The Affinity Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2024
higher education scholarship program. Since its founding in 2005,
this initiative has supported student members of Affinity Federal
Credit Union in their pursuit of two- or four-year degrees. Each
spring, the Affinity Foundation evaluates applicants based on
academic performance, community engagement, and local
leadership.
“It’s been an honor to continue this program and connect with
such amazing students,” said Kelly Watts, Executive Director of the
Affinity Foundation. “This year, the Foundation was inspired by our
impressive pool of candidates. We applaud their dedication to
academics and commitment to community.”
After careful consideration by the scholarship committee, the
Affinity Foundation has selected six award recipients for the
upcoming 2024-2025 school year. The committee is proud to grant
them $2,500 each to pursue their educational goals.
The 2024 Affinity Foundation scholarship winners include:
- Allison Byrne, University of Notre Dame, class of 2028
- Juhi Vora, Raritan Valley Community College, class of 2026
- Ricci Granberg, Boston College, class of 2028
- Victoria Granberg, Boston College, class of 2028
- Morgan Vazquez, University of Florida, class of 2027
- David Kuznetsov, Rutgers University, class of 2027
The Affinity Foundation granted The Robert L. Birkhahn Community
Spirit Scholarship to Byrne, Granberg and Granberg. This award
honors Affinity’s late Executive Vice President, Robert “Bob” L.
Birkhahn, who embodied the community values that it celebrates.
Vasquez won The Affinity Continuing Education Scholarship for
current undergraduate students continuing their education.
Vora earned The Affinity Raritan Valley Community College
Scholarship, and Kuznetsov was awarded The Richard A. Romano
Rutgers Scholarship. These awards support students seeking higher
education locally. The latter honors Richard A. Romano, who served
as a dedicated member of the Affinity Federal Credit Union Board of
Directors for many years.
To apply for a scholarship, students must be Affinity Federal
Credit Union members and United States residents. They must provide
an essay or video discussing an accomplishment, event, or
realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new
understanding of their community. In addition, applicants must
submit two letters of recommendation and a full account of their
academic information, extracurricular activities, honors, awards,
community service, and work experience.
“We would like to thank every student who applied,” said Kevin
Brauer, Chief Executive Officer and President of Affinity. “This
year’s candidates formed an especially impressive group of
individuals who all demonstrated passion, empathy, and a commitment
to their community. We wish this year’s recipients the best as they
continue on their academic journey.”
Since the launch of this program, the Affinity foundation has
awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to New Jersey students. The
Foundation looks forward to supporting its fellow community members
and enabling more students to pursue their dreams through higher
education.
About the Affinity Foundation
The Affinity Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
that was founded in 2005 to carry out the philanthropic work of
Affinity Federal Credit Union. We invest in local organizations
that deliver programs aimed at alleviating financial stress and
helping people reach financial independence, empowering them in the
pursuit of educational, employment and individual goals, and
providing peace of mind for financially disadvantaged individuals
and their families. Through our volunteer efforts, we connect
charities with skilled professionals to elevate their mission,
provide financial education resources and strengthen communities.
The Affinity Foundation is a registered nonprofit organization, you
can further our mission by donating today (EIN #20-2706810).
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