Desert Schools Federal Credit Union announced its 12th annual Community Service Scholarship Program to reward outstanding local high school seniors who have made notable charitable contributions to their communities over the past year and are dedicated to doing so in the future.

This scholarship program is part of Desert Schools’ mission to give back and make community involvement a priority among Arizona’s youth. Desert Schools will award college scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to eight deserving high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their community and education through their volunteer work and excellent grades.

“For 76 years Desert Schools has been dedicated to giving back to our communities,” said Susan Frank, CEO of Desert Schools. “We are thrilled to be able to honor those like-minded seniors who have made a difference by volunteering their time, skills and energy; helping to create vibrant, healthy neighborhoods. We know that paying for college can be challenging and hope that this Community Service Scholarship will help lessen the burden for the deserving recipients.”

High school students who have completed at least 50 hours of community service between January 1 and December 31, 2015 are encouraged to apply, provided they plan to attend a two- or four-year Arizona college or university in fall 2016.

Students interested in obtaining one of Desert Schools’ Community Service Scholarships have until March 1, 2016 to complete the application. In addition to the 50 hours of community service, applicants must have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above. Additionally, they must be a member, or the child or relative of a current Desert Schools Federal Credit Union member.

As an organization, Desert Schools actively strives to help individuals and their families throughout the Valley achieve a better quality of life through a variety of community enrichment programs. With community partnerships and an active employee CommuniTeam – a group of dedicated employee volunteers – Desert Schools consistently prioritizes community involvement and philanthropic efforts as a cornerstone of doing business in the Valley.