Scholarships awarded to two Asheville students for outstanding commitment to the community

Press release from Self-Help Credit Union

Two Asheville students have won scholarships for demonstrating a commitment to building a stronger community. Nicole Allen and Tyler Leik were among 35 students who received a $1,000 scholarship from Self-Help Credit Union, a financial organization that works nationwide to create and protect home ownership and economic opportunity for all.

Established in 2015, the awards recognize proven leaders who have shown a commitment to community service and who strive to make a positive impact on the future. Self-Help branches in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina each offered a $1,000 scholarship to students from their local communities. Scholarships are typically awarded each year in the spring.

Nicole was awarded a scholarship from the Self-Help’s French Broad Avenue location because of her volunteer work in local nursing homes and long-term goal to work in western North Carolina educating individuals on preventative health. She plans to attend Western Carolina University in the fall and study to become a nurse practitioner.

“Before the pandemic I would spend Sundays at a nursing home providing companionship with the residents,” Nicole explains. “My favorite thing was to listen to residents talk about their lives.”

Tyler received a scholarship from Self-Help’s Hendersonville Road branch.  She currently attends the University of Mississippi after transferring from the University of Georgia, majoring in marketing and communications.

“In the fall of my senior year, I had the opportunity to become a peer mentor joining an all-virtual 5th grade class where I assisted students with various activities: from reading the latest assigned novel, to completing a monthly journal,” Tyler states. “The majority of the students I met with read below their grade level which, at times, has been challenging; however, navigating these challenges has proven to be rewarding “

“I have learned to meet the students where they are and come up with creative ways to encourage their participation and celebrate their accomplishments,” Tyler adds.

Self-Help Credit Union works nationwide to provide fair and affordable financial products that help low- to moderate-wealth families and communities of color build savings, repair credit and achieve their financial goals. Scholarships are awarded each year in the spring.