Top, from left: Lena McEachern and Amaya Huggins. Bottom, from left: Courtney Huggins and Shaylee Anderson. Photo: North County African American Association

By SDCN Editor

San Diego, CA–For the third year, North Island Credit Union has partnered with the North County African American Women’s Association (NCAAWA) to provide four $2,500 college scholarships to local students.

The North Island Credit Union 2023 Scholarships were awarded through the NCAAWA’s Scholarship Program, created to assist young African American women in acquiring higher education from an academic institution.

North Island Credit Union 2023 Scholarship recipients through the NCAAWA Program include:

  • Shaylee Anderson, a resident of Oceanside, will pursue a degree in Communications Students at San Diego State University.
  • Sage Creek High School graduate Amaya Huggins will attend California State University San Marcos with a major in Liberal Studies.
  • Courtney Huggins, who recently graduated from Sage Creek High School, will study Child & Adolescent Development at California State University San Marcos beginning this fall.
  • Carlsbad resident Lena McEachern, is pursuing a degree in Economics and Earth Science at Stanford University.

“It is an honor to once again partner with the North County African American Women’s Association to provide these scholarships and financial literacy programming as we join in their mission to empower young women in our communities. We applaud the important work the organization is doing to provide this essential support network,” said North Island Credit Union CEO Steve O’Connell. “We congratulate these exceptional students and wish them much success in their college careers and beyond.”

“As an organization that stands on the premise of enhancing the lives of women and girls in San Diego North County, we thank North Island Credit Union for their continued partnership and support by providing exceptional scholarships for deserving young women,” NCAAWA President Linda Berry said. “It is through partnerships such as these that allow North County African American Women’s Association to continue its mission and contributions within our community. Congratulations to our awardees and thank you to North Island Credit Union for your continued support.”

Through its annual scholarship program, North Island Credit Union has worked to support the educational goals of outstanding students within its local communities since 2005. Now in its third year, the credit union’s partnership with NCAAWA has provided $30,000 in educational assistance to specifically support North County female students of African American descent. The credit union also provides financial literacy training for upper-class high school girls in NCAAWA’s Global Ambassadors Mentoring Program. This program aims to empower young girls of color with leadership development skills, an increased understanding of financial literacy, and global issues that impact social and career development.

The NCAAWA Vision is to provide a support network through education, health awareness, and life skills programs for women and girls in North San Diego County. To date, the organization has provided over $394,750 in scholarship awards and grants to help young women further their education.