Ignite My Future Scholarship
Meet the 2024 Ignite My Future Scholarship Winners
We received applications from many passionate, dedicated teen members. Making a final selection is always difficult, and this year was a particularly challenging task with so many well-qualified applications. We’re tremendously proud to see so many teens dedicating their time to our communities and the people in them.
Now, let’s meet our 2024 Ignite My Future Scholarship winners…
Samantha Sunderhaft | Kenston High School
Samantha has been a committed volunteer for over a decade. She is a regular part of BREATHE at Holy Angel’s Church, where she serves as a program guide and companion to special needs children. She raises money for the “A Kid Again” charity and gives back to her community as a Girl Scout. But Samantha found a true calling in the wake of the pandemic when she observed the staggering impact that isolation and new anxieties had on the mental health of her fellow students. Through research, planning, and community collaborations, Samantha organized a week of mental health awareness and support during suicide prevention month. Her efforts brought in therapy dogs and donated chair massages, easily accessed resources on suicide prevention, and even an expert guest speaker. With a continued emphasis on mental health, Samantha continues her quest to spread the message that “every mind matters.”
Logan Bass | Firelands High School
Logan began his pursuit of volunteering in elementary school. While his parents played a crucial role in promoting the value of volunteering, seeing the joy and enthusiasm on the faces of his peers during volunteer-run book fairs at school cemented just how important it is to give back. Since then, Logan has been a volunteering jack-of-all-trades; gravitating towards whatever project needed the most support. His passion for service has directed him into scouting, with many hours spent in the Boy Scouts of America on a path toward becoming an Eagle Scout. “One of the best ways to have an impact on my community is to become a better leader and start leading by example,” says Logan.
Supporting Students
Are you a teen with a passion for supporting the community? You may be eligible for the Ignite My Future Scholarship, available exclusively for Club Ignite members. Each year, FFCCU will award two (2) $1,000 scholarships to deserving high-school students. Our 2024 application period has closed and winners will be announced April 15, 2024. The application period for our 2025 scholarship award runs from December 1, 2024 – January 31, 2025.
KUDOS!
Our Financial Service Rep spoke with the travel agency directly to ensure payment for our dream vacation made the deadline. The process reaffirmed that FFCCU is the best credit union for us!
-The Freeborns
Jashira got me all set up with opening a new account and linking it to the old one – all over live chat. Super knowledgeable and took less than 10 minutes! Thanks so much for your help!
-Michele
Wow!!! You give me the best customer service!!! I’m an 8-year Member and can say my Credit Union performs like nothing else. They take such a personal interest in all my issues, great and small.
-David W.
Thanks to LeeAnn for walking me through a fraud case on our debit cards. She is a perfect example of the fine member experience at FFCCU – always so helpful. Folks like her make me glad I’m a me...
-Chris S.
I’ve been a long-time member but have never used the chat feature until today. Karen B was so nice and helpful- answered all my questions and was very personable. I’ve always received great service at...
-Erin S.
Jashira was very nice and courteous! She resolved my issue immediately and asked if she could assist me further. I appreciated the great service and the desire to do more in addressing my concerns!
-Cynthia O.
Thank you to Tonja, who was very professional, organized, and helpful in processing a refinance. The entire team has been the best experience in service out there.
-Dan F.
I would like to thank Meghan T., for taking her time with a loan we needed. We were nervous about coming in, but she was very thorough and helpful. Words can’t express how appreciated we felt!
-Alice & James D.
I give Kudos to the entire awesome credit union staff – especially to Karen, LeeAnn, Jashira, and Beverly. Excellent service! I am so glad to be a member.
-Maxine J.
Love working with FFCCU – personal, motorcycle, and R.V. loans – they’ve got you covered, and it’s easy. We’ll be doing a lot more business in the future and recommend others do the same.
-Jason C.
I needed a new vehicle loan, and FFCCU beat other interest rates so dramatically it was a no “brainer.” I was so happy with the service I am switching all of my checking and savings over. Kudos...
-Amy B.
Thanks to Sumintra! She’s professional, detail-oriented, treats everyone with respect – and can laugh at puns! We’ve done extended business with FFCCU because I love working with her...
-Stephanie B.
Rules and Eligibility Information
- Applicants in grade 12 must be planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university, or accredited trade or vocational school.
- Students in grades 9-11 must be planning to attend a tuition-based high-school or taking courses for college credit, with out of pocket tuition expenses, in the upcoming fall semester.
- The scholarship money is applied to the upcoming fall semester tuition.
- ALL requested information must be received for application to be considered.
- Scholarship funds will be made payable to the institution specified by the winners.
- Scholarship winners must agree to allow their name and information to be published by the credit union for promotional purposes.
- This is not a one-time scholarship. However, applicants must complete a new application to be considered for each academic year.
Additional Info to Know
FFCCU employees and board members, and their immediate family members (siblings, parents/guardians or grandparents, or any family members living in the same household) are not eligible.
The selection committee, comprised of FFCCU Board Members and Teammates, will individually evaluate each application without identifying information. Applicants will be considering community involvement, essay, and cumulative GPA. The selection committee will not review any additional information given. FFCCU will complete a scoring sheet for each application by each selection committee member. The highest scoring applicants will move to a final round where FFCCU judge panels will determine the winners.
Please follow the submission instructions outlined on the application webpage, available 12/1/23. Applicants must submit electronically. FFCCU will not consider applications delivered in person. If you do not follow directions thoroughly, your application will not be considered. The complete application must include all the required supplements. Students must submit their applications no later than January 31, 2024.
FFCCU will notify only winners of the Ignite My Future Scholarship. Checks will be made payable to the educational institution that the applicant has chosen to attend and mailed directly to that institution. Firefighters Community Credit Union asks that each recipient allow the credit union to use their name and photograph in promotional materials and press releases.