DEADLINE FOR COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR NEW YORK STUDENTS SPONSORED BY CHECK CASHERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK IS
MARCH 25TH
 

NEW YORK, NY, March 19, 2003 -- The deadline for a college scholarship program for students in New York City public schools that has awarded nearly $200,000 during the last eight years is March 25^th.

To qualify for the Check Cashers Association of New York (CCANY) Travelers Express/MoneyGram Scholarship candidates need to be recommended by their individual schools. The program, which is sponsored by CCANY and Travelers Express/MoneyGram in conjunction with the New York City Board of Education, is designed to assist worthy high school seniors with a one-time scholarship award and help make it possible for these deserving students to attend college. As part of this year’s program, one citywide honoree will receive a $7,500 scholarship award. First place award winners will receive $3,000, second place honorees $1,500 and third place winners will receive $1,000. There will 16 total scholarships awarded. The money can be used towards the student’s freshman year of study at any accredited two- or four-year college of university.

“This program is one way in which check cashers give back to their communities. CCANY is proud of the fact that we have helped 120 students over the years attend college. These young people are the leaders of tomorrow and come back to help improve the quality of life in their New York neighborhoods,” said Sandy Herman, chairman of the CCANY Scholarship program.

Nominated students are selected based on leadership skills in their schools and in the community, financial need, community service and academic achievement. Students qualifying for consideration must have served at least 30 hours of volunteer community service during their senior year and submit a 250-word essay on the rewards of giving back to the community. The CCANY Scholarship winners will be announced on May 13^th as part of CCANY’s Annual Conference at the New York Marriott Brooklyn Hotel.

Students interested in being considered for the program should speak to their high school guidance counselor.

The Check Cashers Association of New York is a trade organization with more than 500 members representing non-bank financial service centers across New York State. CCANY was founded in 1947 and is the leading voice for the industry in the state. CCANY members provide vital access to essential financial products and services in many neighborhoods. Customers count on CCANY members for check cashing services, money orders, electronic bill payments, money wire transfers, automatic teller machine access, payroll payments, electronic tax preparation, prepaid debit cards, public transportation fare and token sales, postage stamp sales and numerous other services. According to the New York State Banking Department, CCANY members cashed $14 billion in checks last year. In 2001, CCANY and its members were recognized as the “Check Cashers of the Year” by Cheklist magazine and the Financial Service Centers of America for the many community service programs the group provides.

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Note:  Prior to May 2004, the Financial Service Centers of New York (FSCNY) was named the Check Cashers Association of New York (CCANY). Consequently, press releases and articles during that time period reflect the organization's CCANY name.