News

First Harvest Credit Union has awarded $17,000 in total scholarships during its annual scholarship giving season. First Harvest carried out its 2025 First Harvest Scholarship Program this spring by awarding a total of $12,000 in direct scholarships to members, bringing student members closer to achieving their future academic endeavors. Additional scholarship funds were given to various Southern New Jersey academic programs within First Harvest’s field of membership, including Camden School District, Black Horse School District, and the Masonic Grand Lodge. First Harvest also supports scholarship programs at Rowan College of South Jersey and Atlantic Cape Community College.

First Harvest awarded six graduating high school senior members each with a $2,000 scholarship to use towards tuition costs. The 2025 Scholarship Committee selected the recipients based on academic merit, community involvement, and an essay describing how young adults can better utilize First Harvest and other financial institutions to set themselves up for financial success. Applicants who were graduating high school senior members and had been formally accepted into an accredited two- or four-year college, university, trade, technical, or business school were eligible for this year’s program.

"Each year, costs associated with higher education continue to rise, and we at First Harvest understand the value and importance of investing in our future community leaders,” stated First Harvest President & CEO, Mike Dinneen. “With over 100 Southern New Jersey school districts in our field of membership, we believe in reinvesting in our student members and supporting various Southern New Jersey academic programs to help alleviate some of the financial burdens these students will face in their pursuit of higher learning. We believe there is no greater investment a credit union can make than in the growth and development of its student members. We want to wish our scholarship recipients success in all their future endeavors.”

2025 First Harvest Scholarship Program Recipients

Taylor L Brown

Taylor graduated from Atlantic County Institute of Technology this June and plans to attend Stockton University in the fall to pursue a degree in health science with a concentration in physician assistant studies. She was a 4-year cross-country and track team member at her high school and has a passion for helping others. Taylor plans to work part-time as an EMT throughout her college career, and upon graduation, she hopes to attend a physician assistant graduate program with pediatrics and family medicine specialties.

Landon W Dobleman

Landon graduated from Camden County Technical School and plans to attend Stockton University to pursue a degree in criminal justice with a concentration in forensic investigation. He was high school’s swim team captain and spent much of his time volunteering at Crisis Intervention Training programs, Tri-State K9s, and the Veterans Response Team. Landon is deeply committed to a future in law enforcement, and he currently serves as a Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) as he works toward his goal of becoming a full-time police officer.

Nevaeh H Lassiter

Nevaeh graduated from Pennsauken High School and plans to attend Rowan University this fall to study biological sciences. During her high school career, she was a 4-year Cheer Team member, a part of Senior Leadership, a member of the Black Student Union, and was named to four national honor societies. She also spent time on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and volunteers her time to the G-1 Youth Ministry, where students learn and engage in their faith in a welcoming environment. Nevaeh hopes to use her degree to pursue a career in wildlife conservation to continue fueling her passion for animals.

Mekayla N Lewis

Mekayla graduated from Oakcrest High School and will be attending Morgan State University to major in biology with a minor in criminal justice this fall. She was captain of her high school’s cheer and track teams, involved in many extracurricular activities, and has made great effort to better her community. She has spent time on the Students Talking About Racism Club, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, ND the NAACP Youth Council, and co-authored a book titled “Empowerment, Girls Guide to Self-Love and Confidence,” which was released in 2024. Mekayla plans to attend the university’s master’s program for criminal justice, with a career goal of becoming a crime scene investigator and working alongside law enforcement to help rehabilitate repeat offenders to lower community crime rates.

Matthew E Smith

Matthew graduated from Hammonton High School and will be attending DeSales University to double major in accounting and finance. He was captain of his high school’s soccer team, a varsity golfer, and a member of the National Honor Society, where he serves as a peer mediator. He also spent time bettering his community by volunteering at the South Jersey Veteran’s Center, Hammonton Women’s Civic Club, and more. Upon graduation, Matthew plans to become a certified public accountant at a public accounting firm.

Sekou K Tarrant

Sekou graduated from Cherry Hill High School West and will be attending Rutgers University this fall to study urban planning. He completed a rigorous course load, including multiple AP and honors classes. He is actively involved in school clubs such as the National Honor Society, African American Culture Club, and Assembly Budget Committee, and has also volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey. Outside of academics, Sekou has participated in varsity soccer and track and works at a part-time job while managing a youth soccer team.