Pasadena-Based Wescom Credit Union Provides Scholarships to College-Bound Southern California Students for Third Consecutive Year

Wescom Credit Union announced today that it is partnering with Sylvan Learning Centers throughout Southern California to provide scholarships to college-bound students as part of its ongoing #WescomKindness initiative for the third consecutive year.

“We started this scholarship program in 2020 when remote learning became the norm. Students are still facing widespread learning-related challenges as a result of COVID-19’s ongoing presence and we want to help by providing extra tutoring, ensuring they are sufficiently prepared when they go off to college,” stated Melissa Pederson, Wescom Credit Union SVP Administration. “Working with Sylvan, we can make a difference and continue our commitment to helping Southern Californians build better lives.”

Wescom will provide $28,000 in funds to support college-bound students via tutoring scholarships fulfilled by Sylvan Learning Centers across Southern California counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside. Seventeen Sylvan Learning Centers will participate, awarding college preparation services such as college essay assistance, coaching through the college admissions process, SAT and ACT prep, and tutoring for AP and other academic classes. The scholarships will benefit approximately 20 deserving juniors and seniors attending local public high schools.

“Ongoing learning challenges and making up for lost time are realities for students right now,” said Emily Levitt, Vice President of Education, Sylvan Learning. “The continued support of high school students in Southern California through the #WescomKindness initiative makes a real impact in these communities. We are so proud to be a recipient of Wescom’s proactive approach with helping high school students and their families prepare for college.”

In addition to the scholarships, Wescom created an online resource dedicated to providing college-bound students and their families with practical information, such as decoding financial aid terms and outlining the different ways to pay for college. Because of the enormous expense that can be associated with attending college, Wescom encourages students and their families to first explore and research all available scholarships, grants, and federal financial aid before taking out private loans.

For those families that do need to bridge the gap between college expenses not covered by scholarships, grants, and federal loans, Wescom offers their Smart Option Student Loan^® by Sallie Mae^®. Wescom also offers their Youth Banking Plus Account, designed for teens ages 13 to 17, which helps students learn how to build wealth, maintain it, and use the tools to reach their financial goals.

To explore Wescom’s online resources to help students and families make their college dreams a reality, visit wescom.org/college. For more information on the Smart Option Student Loan® by Sallie Mae® visit wescom.org/Loans/Student-Loans. For more information on the Wescom Youth Banking Plus Account visit wescom.org/Accounts/Youth-Accounts.