Celebrating Our 2025 ERFCU Scholarship Winners
We're proud to recognize six outstanding students who have each been awarded a 2025 East River Federal Credit Union Scholarship! These students represent the future, not only in education and leadership, but also in financial responsibility. As part of the application, we asked:
“Only 57% of Americans are considered to be financially literate. What does financial literacy mean
to you personally, and what role does East River Federal Credit Union play in helping you achieve that?”
Here’s what some of our winners had to say about how East River FCU is helping them grow financially:
💬 "To me, financial literacy is the ability to know what finances are and how to utilize these tools.I have been a member of ERFCU for many years, and they have opened up the ability for me to grow in my financial literacy not only with their direct programs and offerings but also through the indirect ability to attend school. Without this knowledge, I would not be aware of what my options are for many financial questions I may have such as loans, savings, credit cards, and other financial topics. ERFCU has opened my eyes to the ability to manage my expenses in a simple and effective way. Utilizing what I have learned about finances will guide me through my way of school, work, needs, wants, and eventually retirement."
– Kylie
💬 "Financial literacy involves being smart with your money by budgeting, saving, and investing, along with not spending money you don’t have so you can avoid being in debt. East River Federal Credit Union has been an important part of my journey in learning financial literacy. I manage my account on the app, so I am able to transfer money to my debit card and savings account and also see how much money I have in my accounts. I also like that I can transfer the money I earned from my job into my savings account. This is because it means that I’ll always have money put away to help me with things, like emergencies, paying my tuition, or buying my first house. Overall, financial literacy to me is knowing how to spend money responsibly, save money, invest money, and avoid going into debt, and East Federal Credit Union helps me manage my money to be financially literate."
– Shae
💬 "Financial literacy means more than setting up and following through with a budget, managing credit cards, or balancing your checkbook. To me, it means having the confidence and knowledge to manage my debt and pay my bills while setting aside money for investments to not only counter the growing inflation but also build up wealth for emergencies and retirement. East River FCU plays a crucial role in helping me reach my financial goals by providing me with resources, tools, and professional advice. Financial literacy is a continuous journey, and being financially literate is a vital life skill that everyone should be confident about. This is why I have been entirely determined to gain as much knowledge and experience in this industry as possible to reach my investment/retirement goals and help others exceed their financial dreams."
– Matthew
💬 "When I think about financial literacy, it means being able to budget successfully and have leftover money to keep as savings. When I get out into the real world and build my credit score, I will understand what to do and develop good habits with credit cards, so I don’t get into financial trouble and spend my whole adult life trying to get out of debt. Young adults need to learn the importance of budgeting correctly to set themselves up for financial freedom. East River Federal Credit Union helps people, including myself, get onto the right path heading towards financial literacy. They assist us with financial literacy by helping us build a healthy lifestyle and working make it possible for people to have the life they want."
– Kennedy
💬 "To me, financial literacy means having the tools and knowledge to make independent and smart financial decisions, and also the ability to attain my goals. I understand that going to college is financially demanding and having the tools to budget and save correctly will save me from unmanageable debt. East River Federal Credit Union has played a substantial role in allowing me to be financially literate and make decisions that allow me to focus on my future education and goals. They give me a secure place to put my money and access to move that money around freely and use it easily. Overall, to me, the ability to be financially literate will allow me to obtain my goals and continue my education. I will continue to use the tools I have learned over the years to make smart and meaningful financial decisions."
– Cambree
💬 "A skill I have learned and held myself accountable for, is being financially literate. I come from a large, blended family, and have seen firsthand the financial struggles that many large families go through. I want to change those struggles and be educated on financial literacy, so I do not have to experience it when building a career. East River Federal Credit Union has played a major role in my finances and building my skillset of financial literacy. Every time I go into the building or drive-thru, anxious, they always greet me with a smile and make me feel comfortable. I have continued to save my earnings at East River Federal Credit Union and plan to grow those in other savings options they have available. I want to be more financially literate, especially on my journey to making and building my career; saving and investing in East River will help me along the way."
– MadLyn
We're honored to play a role in each of these students' financial journeys. Join us in congratulating them — and stay inspired by their commitment to lifelong financial learning!
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