Ascend Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee, recently awarded $2,500 scholarships to 10 members. This is the 23rd consecutive year that Ascend has shown its commitment to education by providing scholarships to members to further their academic pursuits.

“We are honored to recognize these outstanding students for their hard work and dedication in the classroom,” said Leslie Copeland, Ascend’s chief strategy officer. “For more than 20 years, Ascend has supported our members in their pursuit of higher education through our scholarship program. We remain committed to empowering them to achieve their academic and financial goals.”

Since starting its scholarship program in 2003, Ascend has awarded $306,000 to 246 members. To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be members of Ascend Federal Credit Union and plan to enroll or prove enrollment as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, technical or trade school in pursuit of an associate, bachelors, masters or other advanced-degree program in the next academic year.

Details for Ascend scholarships for the 2026 academic year will be posted at ascend. org later this year. Scholarship winners may reapply for the next academic year if they meet program requirements. Ascend employees, officials and any of their immediate family members are excluded from eligibility.