The First Financial Federal Credit Union Foundation (www.firstfinancialfoundation.org) recently awarded a $750 scholarship to Jennifer Retzer of Manalapan, who is currently attending the University of Pennsylvania and studying the biological basis of behavior and nutrition.

Six winners were chosen overall.

This year, there were two scholarship topics.  Applicants choose to answer one of the following questions:

1.  How have the recent financial events of 2011 (Wall Street Protest and Bank Transfer Day) affected your opinion of credit unions? What is your perspective in regard to First Financial Federal Credit Union?
2.  Compare and contrast commercial banks to First Financial and the Credit Union movement.

Applicants submitted a written essay or video clip to answer the question of their choice, and either had to be a member of the credit union attending a 2 or 4 year college anywhere in the country, or a non-member attending a 2 or 4 year college within Monmouth or Ocean Counties to be considered for the scholarship. 

Jennifer submitted an essay comparing and contrasting commercial banks to First Financial and the credit union movement, and in her essay stated, “Commercial banks may have more branch locations, but with the popularity of online banking and direct deposit, that is pretty much a non-issue now. Lower fees, better interest rates, and more personal service make First Financial Federal Credit Union a great alternative to commercial banks and it is easy to see why the credit union movement has gained momentum, and hopefully with heightened press and awareness - more people will see the advantages of credit union membership!”

“We are delighted to assist in furthering the educational aspirations of these worthy young men and women,” said First Financial President and CEO, Issa Stephan.  “Our credit union puts a high priority on education, after all – that’s how First Financial began 76 years ago, with a group of schoolteachers in Asbury Park.”

View this year’s scholarship winners on the First Financial Foundation web site.

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About the First Financial Foundation:

Since 1994, First Financial has supported the Monmouth & Ocean communities with the Erma Dorrer Scholarship Program. Today, that program has been extended into the First Financial Foundation to assist charitable organizations of the Monmouth & Ocean County Communities.  The First Financial Federal Credit Union Foundation is a non-profit working to support a variety of community programs and organizations throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties.  We direct 100% of your contributions to programs because all administrative expenses are paid for by First Financial Federal Credit Union.  To learn more, visit www.firstfinancialfoundation.org .