Introducing: The 2024 Maps Business Partner Scholarships

The Maps Credit Union High School Branch Program offers students valuable job skills and training in the financial industry. Student Tellers don’t just learn about banking, they run their branches. Under the guidance of school advisors and Maps professionals, they also teach their peers the importance of budgeting and saving. Over the years, our Student Branches have been invaluable for students interested in leadership roles or careers in finance. But, the program has also been invaluable for us! Several High School Branch program participants have gone on to have careers at Maps Credit Union.

Maps currently operates two Student Branches. We employ 11 student interns and around 20 student tellers between McKay High School (the Royal Scots Branch) and West Salem High School (the Titan Branch). Working in tandem with our Financial Education and Scholarship Programs, Maps is helping students take their education to the next level.

Candy Gracia (McKay High School)

Candy Gracia received a $2,000 Maps Business Partner Scholarship. Recently, Gracia also completed an internship with Maps Credit Union where she learned money-handling and management skills. At McKay High School, Gracia participated in basketball and wrestling. She plans to study Engineering and Business at Oregon State University. The Thompson-Patch scholarship winner hopes to earn a degree in Architectural Engineering or Construction Management. “Being a girl in Mexican culture has pushed me to break and withstand what is limited for a girl setting an example for others while being strong,” says Gracia. “Through this opportunity—and by grasping what I can—I always push myself to become the best and greatest version of myself.”

Ginger Jokon (McKay High School)

Ginger Jokon received a $2,000 Maps Business Partner Scholarship and recently completed an internship with Maps Credit Union. Jokon also belongs to the Mathematics Honor Society at McKay High School and enjoys the lessons she has learned through Advanced Banking Management classes. She plans to study Accounting and Business at Chemeketa Community College before transferring to Oregon State University. “Being a part of the Business Management Team in my banking class, I learned to influence others through encouragement and assistance within a healthy work environment,” says Jokon. “All in all, getting a chance to take part in a leadership role has given me the opportunity to make a positive impact on my community’s capabilities that will help them in the long run.”

Andrew O’Dell (West Salem High School)

Andrew O’Dell received a $2,000 Maps Business Partner Scholarship and recently completed an internship with Maps Credit Union. O’Dell was captain of the West Salem High soccer team and Editor-in-Chief of the school yearbook. The honor student also competed in and qualified for nationals in 2023-2024 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competitive events. Recently, he placed second in the state for securities and investments and third in the state for banking and finance. In college, O’Dell hopes to continue his financial industry journey. He hopes to pursue an education in Accounting, Finance, and Business at the University of Oregon. “In finance, my motivation lies not only in the intricacies of transactions, but in the personal narratives, aspirations, and challenges of our community,” says O’Dell. “I want to emphasize a community-centered approach where individuals are not just clients, but important members of a unified financial family.”

Lucas Kimsey (West Salem High School)

Lucas Kimsey received a $2,000 Maps Business Partner Scholarship and recently completed an internship with Maps Credit Union. At West Salem High, he was active in athletics, music, and various clubs. He was also the manager (and multi-time employee of the month) at the West Salem Student Store. Throughout high school, Kimsey worked part-time to support his educational goals. The honor student plans to study Business Management at the University of Oregon. “ I’ve learned quickly that anything I can do to be financially prepared—whether that is staying on top of my studies, working extra hours, or preparing new scholarship applications—every effort can make a difference,” says Kimsey. “Seeing small successes has motivated me to work as hard as I can to prepare for what’s next educationally.”