Associated Credit Union Foundation Offers $3,500 Scholarships to High School Seniors

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA December 24, 2024

The Associated Credit Union (ACU) Foundation is honoring the legacy of Ronald K. Ford, a former member of its Board of Directors, by awarding $3,500 scholarships to exceptional high school seniors. The Ronald K. Ford Memorial Scholarship celebrates Mr. Ford’s 12 years of service on the board, his influential career in education, and his pioneering contributions to the credit union industry.

The scholarship recognizes students who embody Mr. Ford’s commitment to education, sportsmanship, and community service. Abigail, a 2024 scholarship recipient, expressed her gratitude, highlighting how the award has supported her academic and personal goals.

Eligibility Criteria

High school seniors graduating in 2025 are encouraged to apply if they meet the following requirements:

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Gain acceptance to an accredited college, university, or technical school
• Submit all application materials by Monday, March 31, 2025

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

1. A public link to a 60-second YouTube video addressing one of the following prompts:
   • Describe your most impactful community service activity.
   • Share your favorite academic subject and why it inspires you.
2. Two reference letters:
   • One from a school official (e.g., coach, counselor, or teacher).
   • One from a non-family member (e.g., employer, friend, or neighbor).
3. An official high school transcript and a college acceptance letter.

If you are a high school senior passionate about education, innovation, and community service, consider applying for the Ronald K. Ford Memorial Scholarship. This $3,500 award could be your stepping stone to a brighter future. For more details and application instructions, visit the Associated Credit Union Foundation’s website.

Don’t miss your chance—apply by March 31, 2025, and take a step closer to achieving your dreams!

Apply Today

College Costs in Georgia

For those seeking more affordable options, Georgia is home to some of the nation’s most economical colleges. Institutions like Dalton State College ($5,532 annual net price) and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College ($7,260 annual net price) provide quality education at accessible costs.

Here are some reliable sources to estimate college costs in Georgia:

1. College Websites – Visit the official websites of individual colleges and universities in Georgia. Most institutions provide detailed information about tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses.
2. Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) – The GSFC offers tools and resources for understanding college costs, including information on tuition assistance programs like HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships on their website.
3. BestColleges.com – Provides rankings and average annual costs for colleges in Georgia, including public and private institutions. Website: www.bestcolleges.com
4. College Navigator (NCES) – The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) offers a tool to search and compare costs for colleges nationwide, including detailed breakdowns for Georgia institutions.
5. University System of Georgia (USG) – The USG website lists tuition and fee schedules for public colleges and universities in Georgia.
6. College Board – The College Board’s “Trends in College Pricing” report includes average tuition and fees by state, along with tools to estimate overall college costs.
7. Scholarship and Financial Aid Platforms – Websites like Fastweb.com and Scholarships.com often include information on estimated college costs and financial aid options.
8. Consumer-Focused Financial Tools – NerdWallet and CollegeSimply can provide estimates and comparisons of college costs across Georgia.
9. Websites like Best Colleges can also provide a wealth of information.