Affinity Foundation Announces 2024 Scholarship Winners

Six New Jersey-based students were awarded scholarships to pursue their higher-education objectives

BASKING RIDGE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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:

1. Allison Byrne, University of Notre Dame, class of 2028
2. Juhi Vora, Raritan Valley Community College, class of 2026
3. Ricci Granberg, Boston College, class of 2028
4. Victoria Granberg, Boston College, class of 2028
5. Morgan Vazquez, University of Florida, class of 2027
6. 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).