First Citizens’ Opens its 16th Annual Scholarship Application Period

FAIRHAVEN, MA -- FEBRUARY 1, 2012 – For the 16th consecutive year, First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union announces its Barbara Whitehead Silva & Champion Family Scholarship Program and is now accepting applications. In total thirteen $1,000 scholarships will be awarded.

The program provides graduating seniors from ten local area schools with a $1,000 scholarship awarded to them based on financial need. In addition, one scholarship will be awarded in honor of Barbara Whitehead Silva, former President/ and Chief Executive Officer, for her 45 years of dedicated service to the institution. The remaining two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to immediate family of members with a Champion Checking Account. Champion accounts are exclusively available to teachers, EMT, police, firefighters and healthcare professionals.

Applications are available at all First Citizens’ branch offices or online at www.firstcitizens.org. Requirements state that the applicant or parent must be a member of First Citizens' and the applicant must be a high school senior accepted to a college or university for the 2011-2012 academic year. They must submit:

1. A completed application.
2. One page typewritten essay addressing why their major field of study was chosen and how it applies to their career goals, and
3. Comprehensive official transcripts.

Application deadline is April 2, 2012.

About First Citizens’

First Citizens' Federal Credit Union is one of the premier financial institutions in southeastern Massachusetts. With corporate offices in Fairhaven, MA, First Citizens' can trace its roots back to 1937 when it opened its doors as a credit union in Bristol County. Today, with over 55,000 members and assets over $550 million, First Citizens' has full service offices in New Bedford, Raynham, Taunton, Mattapoisett, Falmouth, Mashpee, Hyannis and Orleans. The credit union offers a complete package of personal and business financial services as well as online and mobile banking. For more information, visit www.firstcitizens.org.