Westerra Credit Union has once again awarded its annual scholarship to graduating high school seniors who are continuing their educational journey through two- or four-year universities or trade school.

As part of Westerra’s larger Westerra Cares’ program, which includes a focus on education, scholarships are provided to students through a series of collaborations with various community organizations, including Aurora Public Schools Foundation, Cherry Creek Schools Foundation, The Foundation for Douglas County Schools, Hide in Plain Sight, Jefferson County Administrators’ Association and Mapleton Public Schools Foundation. 

“This annual scholarship recognizes students’ outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential and community involvement,” said Kristina Shaw, VP of Corporate Communications and PR at Westerra. "By providing financial support, we are not only investing in the future of these students, but also in the transformative power of education to make a lasting difference in our communities."

One of the students selected as a recipient for this year’s Westerra Credit Union Scholarship is Rebecca Tekle, an Aurora Public High School student and Ethiopian immigrant. She plans to pursue a career in engineering and notes this scholarship helps alleviate some of the financial burden that will come from the advanced education she is planning to pursue in the fall. “The only generational wealth I acquired is the sacrifices my parents made that have brought me to where I am today,” said Tekle. “Thanks to this scholarship, my career and continuing education goals have become more achievable.”

While the scholarship cycle is closed for the 2023-24 school year, applicants can apply for next year’s scholarship in Fall 2024. For more information about scholarship criteria and recent recipients of the scholarship program, visit westerracu.com/about/community/schools/grants.