A recent Culver City High graduate was among the 43 California students receiving scholarships from Golden 1 Credit Union in June.
Simon Johnson, who is attending UCLA this fall, was identified by Golden 1 Credit Union as a “future leader” for his academic success and community work.
Johnson was praised as a well-rounded leader who has always utilized his free time to get more involved with his community, and to help others, Erica Taylor, vice president of Communications and Community Relations for Golden 1 Credit Union said.
“He has spent nearly a decade studying innovation, design, flight, and forensic science,” she said. “As one of the top achieving math students at Culver City High School, he tutored other peers at risk of failing algebra. He was also an academic mentor in physics.” Johnson said he plans to major in mechanical engineering at UCLA, while continuing to give back to the community.
“Attending UCLA has always been a dream of mine,” Johnson said. “Thanks to the Golden 1 Credit Union scholarship, I can spend more time studying, and still have the time to participate in extracurricular activities. I’m very appreciative to Golden 1 for giving me the opportunity to continue my education at a higher level.”
The recipients hail from across the state of California and range in education level from incoming college freshmen to seniors. Overall scholarship money for all students amounted to more than $400,500, Taylor said.
“We are thrilled to offer Golden 1 Credit Union scholarships to California students who excel in the classroom and have exemplified a commitment to community involvement,” Tayor said. “This program is one of many Golden 1 initiatives that demonstrate our commitment to giving back to our members by helping them to achieve their educational and career goals.”
The Golden 1 Credit Union scholarship program provides credit union members and their dependents financial assistance, valued at up to $20,000 per student, for full-time students who plan to attend accredited, nonprofit two-year community colleges or four-year colleges and universities in California.
Students received awards based on their academic achievements, community involvement, extracurricular activities, and education and career goals.
Since the program began in 2013, Golden 1 Credit Union has awarded nearly $2 million in total scholarship funding.
“Each year, recipients of the Golden 1 Credit Union scholarship have gone on to accomplish impressive educational and career goals and we know this year’s recipients will be no different,” Taylor added.
Applications for the 2018 Golden 1 Credit Union scholarship program will be open in October 2017 and will be awarded in spring 2018.