Albany Technical College and Five Star Credit Union Sign MOU Establishing Annual Scholarship Fund

Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and college leadership were on hand for the signing and ceremonial check presentation.

The agreement includes a $30,000 pledge from Five Star Credit Union Foundation over three years, with $10,000 provided each year in 2026, 2027, and 2028. The scholarship fund is designed to benefit up to 20 Albany Tech students during an academic year.

The scholarship will support first-generation Albany Tech students who demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA process and remain in good academic standing. The fund is intended to help close tuition funding gaps that can prevent students from continuing their education, while also strengthening the local workforce and the broader community.

“Five Star Credit Union believes in being part of the communities we serve, especially in areas where access to financial services and educational opportunity can make a real difference,” said Mike Bridges, Vice President of Membership Acquisition and Community Development for Five Star Credit Union. “This partnership with Albany Technical College gives us a meaningful way to help students move forward, remove barriers, and support workforce development that benefits families, employers, and communities across our region.”

For Albany Technical College, the partnership adds another layer of support for students working to complete programs that lead directly into high-demand careers.

“This agreement reflects the kind of community partnership that helps students stay on track and succeed,” said Dr. Emmett L. Griswold, President of Albany Technical College. “Many of our students are balancing college, work, family responsibilities, and financial challenges. A scholarship like this can be the difference that helps a student continue, complete, and enter the workforce prepared to make a strong contribution. We are grateful to Five Star Credit Union for investing in Albany Tech students and in the future of this region.”

The new scholarship fund also represents the beginning of a broader partnership between Albany Technical College and Five Star Credit Union. In addition to scholarship support, discussions included opportunities for financial literacy education, GED support, educator benefits, and future collaboration through the Albany Tech Foundation and alumni engagement.

Through the Albany Tech Foundation, Inc., the Five Star Credit Union Foundation Annual Scholarship Fund will be administered according to established Foundation procedures. Scholarship recipients will be selected through the Albany Tech Foundation’s scholarship process.

The partnership brings together a college focused on student success and workforce development with a credit union focused on community investment and financial access. Together, Albany Technical College and Five Star Credit Union are creating a new support pathway for students whose success will strengthen Southwest Georgia.

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