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The MCU Foundation Provides Scholarships to Empower New York City Graduates

In an inspiring initiative, the MCU Foundation, the philanthropic entity of the Municipal Credit Union (MCU), recently announced its commitment to support local high school graduates through an impressive allocation of over $250,000 in scholarships. At their annual scholarship dinner held in June 2025, it was revealed that 51 exceptional high school seniors have been selected to receive $5,000 each to assist with their educational expenses. This generous effort is part of MCU’s dedication to fostering brighter futures for New Yorkers.

The MCU Foundation believes education plays a critical role in helping individuals achieve financial stability and prosperity. Recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders, the Foundation has continuously emphasized its mission to empower young individuals at the beginning of their professional journeys. The chosen scholarship recipients were selected based on rigorous criteria that included academic excellence, active involvement in extracurricular activities, and insightful essays reflecting their understanding of the credit union philosophy of 'people helping people.' This approach not only highlights their individual achievements but also encourages a broader communal mindset among the students.

George Chacon, the President of the MCU Foundation, emphasized the significance of education in building generational wealth and ensuring financial security. He expressed immense pride in the accomplishments of the graduates to date and the hopeful future contributions they will make to their communities in New York City and beyond. Chacon's sentiments resonate with the Foundation’s overarching aim of creating sustainable support systems for young individuals, essentially bridging the gap between education and enhanced financial opportunities.

Additionally, this year marked the continuation of the CEO Visionary Scholarship, a $5,000 award personally contributed by MCU's Chief Executive Officer Kyle Markland. This prestigious accolade went to Brianna Frimpong, an incoming student at George Washington University. Furthermore, MCU Board Chair Tom Canty also demonstrated commitment to educational upliftment by donating $5,000 for the Frances Kelly Canty Nursing Scholarship, awarded to nursing student Melisa Chambers who studies at CUNY York College.

Kyle Markland reiterated the credit union's commitment to supporting hard-working New Yorkers as they navigate their educational pursuits, noting how the cost of education can be daunting for many. By establishing the MCU Foundation, the organization aims to assist these aspiring professionals in achieving their academic and financial goals. The Foundation actively seeks to engage with students from all backgrounds across the New York City area, including the five boroughs—Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island—as well as Nassau, Westchester, Suffolk, Rockland Counties, and neighboring states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The scholarships were administered in collaboration with the New York Credit Union Association, an organization that not only offers its own scholarships but also helps manage awards on behalf of its member credit unions. The scholarship recipients are set to attend some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, including Cornell University, Duke University, Spelman College, Yale University, and others, showcasing the diverse talent emerging from New York City’s youth.

To further explore the MCU Foundation's initiatives and learn more about their impactful programs, interested individuals can visit their website at mcufoundation.nymcu.org. This effort undoubtedly highlights how critical it is to invest in education and support the next wave of community leaders, reaffirming the MCU Foundation’s role as a pivotal player in advancing education and community enrichment throughout New York City and beyond.

About the MCU Foundation: The MCU Foundation was established in 2023 to strengthen financial stability and combat poverty in New York City one individual at a time. By focusing on key areas such as education, access to necessities, and homeownership, the Foundation diligently works to uplift hardworking community members. For more information, please visit mcufoundation.nymcu.org.

About Municipal Credit Union: Founded in 1916, Municipal Credit Union is New York’s oldest credit union, committed to delivering a wide range of financial services to municipal employees and their families. With over 600,000 members and assets exceeding $4.35 billion, MCU stands out as an equal opportunity lender, providing individuals access to secure financial products and services.