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First Tech Routing #321180379

Scholarships

First Tech offers members like you an opportunity to apply for a $5,000 scholarship to help offset the rising cost of post-secondary education. Read on to learn more.

Each year we're proud to award twelve outstanding members with $5,000 scholarships.

  • Ten scholarships to students with a STEM-focused major
  • Two scholarships to family members of First Tech employees with a STEM-focused major

Applications were accepted December 1, 2024 at 12:00am PST through January 15, 2025 at 11:59pm PST and scholarships will be awarded in late May 2025.

Applicant criteria:

  • Be a First Tech member in good standing by application deadline date. If the applicant's guardians are members, the applicant must have their own membership with First Tech Federal Credit Union.
  • Plan to pursue a STEM-focused major.
  • Plan to enroll or already be enrolled as a full-time or part-time student at an accredited institution for the upcoming academic year.
  • There is no age requirement for the scholarship program and students from all levels of study are eligible to apply.
  • Have a minimum 3.5 average cumulative grade point average (GPA).

Please see our FAQ to answer questions you may have, or please contact Community Engagement.

Scholarship Recipients 2025

We are proud to continue our tradition of awarding scholarships to members who have showcased their determination, high academic achievement, and involvement in their communities. In 2024, we awarded $60,000 to the following 12 students, and we wish them the very best in their future careers.

Afifah Kashif

Afifah KashifAfifah Kashif

Carnegie Mellon – Engineering and Public Policy

"This scholarship allows me to pursue my educational and professional aspirations with reduced financial stress, enabling me to focus on making a meaningful impact in technological design, development and policy. It gives me the freedom to shift my interests in technology toward the public sector, ensuring that human needs and ethical considerations remain at the forefront of innovation. Thank you First Tech!"

Ekansh Mittal

Ekansh MittalEkansh Mittal

Stanford University – Computer Science

“I am extremely honored and excited to be a recipient of the First Tech Federal Credit Union STEM Scholarship. It will be tremendously helpful in supporting my further education and aspirations.”

Emma Le

Emma LeEmma Le

Oregon State University – Chemical Engineering

“I am honored to be a recipient of the First Tech scholarship.  Receiving this award allows me to reach my dreams of being an engineer and leader without having to worry about tuition. It empowers me to reach my full potential without financial burdens, dedicating all my time to my studies and personal growth. Thank you First Tech!”

Gina Chiafulio

Gina ChiafulioGina Chiafulio

University of Florida – Civil Engineering

“This scholarship means so much to me because it supports both my education and dreams for the future. It encourages me to keep working hard and reminds me that my goals are within reach. I’m truly grateful for this generous support as I take the next steps in my engineering journey!”

Jason Toliano

Jason ToliaoJason Toliao

University of Southern California – Neuroscience Major, Spanish Minor

“I am incredibly grateful to be honored alongside the other recipients of First Tech’s generous scholarship. This scholarship will contribute to my tuition and ease the financial burden associated with living away from home over the summer to continue my research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. With First Tech’s help, I am one step closer to achieving my goal of making a meaningful impact in healthcare as a physician-researcher.”

Juliet Joe

Juliet JoeJuliet Joe

Ohio State University – International Studies

“Following the completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma in high school, this scholarship allows me to continue study in Global issues and pursue a degree in International Economics.  I hope to be able to work in and positively influence future policy to make the global economy more equitable for all citizens.”

Kira McConnel

Kira McConnelKira McConnel

Oregon Health and Science University – Bachelor of Nursing

“Receiving this scholarship from First Tech takes some financial burden off my shoulders, and allows me to dedicate myself fully to my studies. It also reminds me that there are other people who believe in my potential, and that encouragement motivates me to keep pushing forward. I’m truly grateful for this support and the opportunity it provides.”

Liliana Bolio Dominguez

Liliana Bolio DominguezLiliana Bolio Dominguez

Linfield University – Nursing

“I am very honored and excited to have been selected for this First Tech STEM scholarship. This scholarship will make a significant difference in my educational journey by helping me shift more of my focus towards my studies. I am very eager to continue this path in the STEM field and am extremely excited for the opportunities this scholarship will allow me to pursue.”

Maksim Kalinin

Maksim KalininMaksim Kalinin

Colorado School of Mines – Mechanical Engineering

“Receiving the First Tech scholarship will significantly benefit me during my time at Colorado School of Mines, my family, and the world by providing the necessary aid for my future. Ultimately the scholarship will help me focus on my studies and learning opportunities, allowing me to participate in First Tech's mission of bettering society by creating a cleaner and more glorious world for everyone.”

Ronald Braga

Ronald BragaRonald Braga

UCLA School of Nursing – Master of Science in Nursing: Dual Acute and Primary Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

“I’m truly honored to be selected as a recipient of the First Tech Federal Credit Union STEM Scholarship. As a Dual Acute and Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner student at UCLA, this generous support eases the financial stress of graduate school and enables me to focus fully on my commitment to improving pediatric healthcare, rather than taking on additional work to make ends meet. This scholarship brings me closer to my goal of making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families who need it most.”

Stephanie Rivera

Stephanie RiveraStephanie Rivera

Chamberlain University- Family Nurse Practitioner

“I am deeply honored to be awarded the First Tech Federal Credit Union STEM Scholarship and sincerely grateful for your generosity. As a Family Nurse Practitioner student at Chamberlain University, I am excited to advance my education and pursue my passion for women’s health. This scholarship significantly eases my financial burden, allowing me to focus fully on my academic and professional goals. Thank you for your support in helping me take this important step toward my future.”

Vivianna Lindley

Vivianna LindleyVivianna Lindley

Dartmouth College, Geisel School of Medicine – Master of Public health in Health Policy and Clinical Practice

”For me, this award is an aid toward achieving a degree that will allow me to give back to society. Student loans are a struggle for many and I am grateful that this award will allow my focus to be fully on the important work of public health and not on tuition.”