Oswego County Federal Credit Union (OCFCU), is again offering college-bound high school seniors who are members the chance to win one of five $500 scholarships, it was announced by William Carhart, CEO.

“OCFCU has joined the New York State Credit Union League, Inc. (NYSCUL) in offering seniors the chance to compete for these scholarships to either a two-or four-year accredited educational institution,” Carhart said. “In addition to the scholarships we’re offering, students will be competing for two $500 scholarships from the Syracuse Chapter of Credit Unions, and several $500 and $1,000 scholarships offered by the NYSCUL statewide”. It’s a simple three-step process to apply.

“First, students can stop in any OCFCU office and request a scholarship application form, or they can go online and download it at www.oswegofcu.org. If the student is not an OCFCU member, request a membership packet as well.

“Complete the application form, write an essay, and obtain the required test transcripts along with the signature of the student’s parent or guardian.

“Return the completed form to OCFCU no later than Jan. 20, 2012.”

According to Carhart, there is no fee for submitting the application, but those students applying must be members of OCFCU, college-bound high school seniors at the time of application to either a two or four-year accredited educational institution, and attending college for the first time in the fall of 2011. Applications will be judged against others submitted from all over the state by the NYSCUL and winners will be announced in April.

Founded in 1975, OCFCU is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative association, which serves more than 6,000 members from throughout Oswego County. OCFCU’s charter was revised in early 2007 so that anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Oswego County is eligible to join.

OCFCU has two offices in Oswego and an office in Mexico. The Mexico office is at 5828 Scenic Ave. (Route 3) and can be reached at  963-2722. In Oswego, the 300 W. 1^st St. office can be reached at 326-0138 and the 175 E. 7^th St. office can be reached at 343-7822.  Further information can also be found online at www.oswegofcu.org.