In the 25^th year of First Financial Federal Credit Union’s Scholarship Program, 53 graduating seniors were rewarded a total of $159,000 in scholarships for post-secondary institutions.

The annual Scholarship Program is open to graduating students who attend Baltimore, Carroll, Worcester, and Somerset County Public Schools as well as private schools within First Financial’s field of membership. Since 1998, scholarships totaling $2.3 million have been awarded to over 750 hardworking students. 

“It is an absolute honor to assist the soon-to-be graduates in continuing their education,” said Eric Church, First Financial President/CEO. “We couldn’t be prouder of these scholars and wish them nothing but success as they take on the next chapter of their lives.”   

To qualify, First Financial’s student members were required to submit an application, transcripts, references, and a written essay. Finalists were selected by the credit union’s volunteer-based Scholarship Committee. The students receiving a scholarship were recognized at the credit union’s 70^th Annual Meeting on April 20, 2023.

First Financial Federal Credit Union scholarship winners were recognized at the credit unions 70^th Annual Meeting on April 20, 2023. $159,000 was awarded to 53 high school students within the credit unions field of membership.

First Financial Federal Credit Union deepened its commitment to the Carroll County community by donating a total of $35,000 to benefit three Carroll County partner organizations.

The credit union recently pledged $100,000 over a 5-year period to the Carroll Community College Foundation. Beginning in 2023 through the 2027/2028 school year, First Financial will donate $20,000 each year to the Foundation. Proceeds will benefit their Athletic Program, New Start Program, and Student Emergency Assistance Fund. First Financial and Carroll Community College have partnered for the benefit of the Carroll County community for 25 years. This commitment will allow the organizations to continue their partnership for years to come.

First Financial also made a $10,000 donation to Carroll County Food Sunday (CCFS), a non-profit organization who has played a critical role serving the food-insecure population within Carroll County since 1982. Every week, CCFS distributes nutritionally balanced grocery packages that consist of meat, eggs, fruits, vegetables, bread, and milk to over 400 families in the Carroll County community. First Financial’s donation will help purchase food and resources to support their weekly distribution.

Additionally, FFFCU made a $5,000 donation to its partner of 32 years, Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS). The donation will go toward the Student Support Fund of CCPS and will give families in the community access to a variety of resources such as clothing, shoes, musical instruments, food, and clean bedding when it is needed the most.

“First Financial has been committed to the Carroll County community for over 30 years,” said Eric Church, President and CEO of First Financial. “These organizations have been successful in assisting those in need throughout Carroll County and partnering with them helps pave the way to an even stronger community that First Financial is honored to support and serve.”