The BECU Foundation awarded a local high school graduate and 79 other BECU student members with $3,000 scholarships each towards their college education.

Megan Seibert, a graduating student from Bothell High School, received the scholarship, which recognizes and promotes a student’s service in their school or community, leadership potential and academic achievement.

Since the foundation’s inception in 1995, BECU has given more than $2 million in scholarships to more than 900 student members.

The recipients were honored by BECU leaders at Safeco Field, where their scholarship award was recognized and they received career and financial advice. BECU employees shared advice with students on how to create a professional LinkedIn profile, the importance of college internships and giving back to each of their communities, and how to set financial goals and save money throughout college.

“BECU was founded on the idea of people helping people, and the Foundation scholarship program embodies that philosophy,” said Rachel Van Noord, BECU’s director of community outreach. “We are honored to support these students who are taking the initiative to excel in school, while serving their communities. As the next generation of leaders, investing in their futures ensures we are helping strengthen all of our communities for years to come.”

More than 1,000 students applied for the BECU Foundation scholarships and 80 were chosen based on grade point averages and community service work. Volunteer activities included science interpretation for the Pacific Science Center, mentoring students on a robotics team, teaching and mentoring elementary-aged children and providing food for teens and homeless youth.