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Blog


05.16.12 Co-Opting Out of Student Loan Debt
Posted under: Loans, School Posted by:

Anyone who has watched television late at night is aware of the plethora of “Get out of Credit Debt” companies with their sappily sentimental infomercials and catchy 1-800 phone numbers.  But credit card debt isn’t even America’s leading form of financial crisis.  Student loan debt has not only surpassed credit card debt for the first time in history, it has also eclipsed the trillion-dollar mark. Yet there don’t seem to be scads of non-profit organizations offering “x” number of “easy” steps to get out from under tens of thousands of dollars in outstanding student loans.  Luckily, i[x] is here to help keep you from getting into that position in the first place.
 
In addition to grants and scholarships, a great way to help pay for the ever-rising cost of higher education is through Cooperative Education Programs (co-ops).  Co-ops incorporate internships into the academic curriculum.  Whether it is full-time work for one or two semesters, or part-time work over the course of several semesters, a co-op program can leave a student with over $10,000 for just six months’ work.  Not only can these earnings immediately be applied to paying off loans, but connections made during these work experiences often lead directly to employment opportunities, helping graduates avoid the dreaded “underemployed” status that leads to loan deferments and much more money to make up in the long run.
 
Co-op programs exist at Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Georgia Southern, as well as scores of other schools throughout the nation.  While they are primarily offered in engineering and mathematical fields of study, co-op programs are expanding to a wider range of studies regularly.  Contact your school’s (or schools’ of interest) academic office for information about what co-op opportunities they offer, and take another step toward a debt-free college graduate existence.        

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01.05.12 Great News for Graduate Students
Posted under: Loans, School Posted by:

Hola guys and gals! I wanted to let you all know about some exciting news regarding student loans from Georgia’s Own. GOCU is pleased to announce it has extended it’s partnership with Credit Union Student Choice with the introduction of a Graduate Line of Credit. So if you are looking help for financing graduate school, look no further than Georgia’s Own! If you want to learn more about our Graduate Business Line of Credit, click here.

Don’t forget we also have options for undergraduate students!

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12.22.11 i[x] Happenings/Student Lending Changes
Posted under: Contests, Loans, School Posted by:

Hey guys! Hope everyone is enjoying Christmas break! I wanted to let you know about a few things going on right now with i[x] and Georgia’s Own…

-Join the i[x] College Bowl Pick’em Contest for a chance to win a $50 gift card! We are also giving away prizes for 2nd and 3rd places. So submit your picks by Dec. 25 to be entered!

-We are still accepting applications for the Georgia’s Own Credit Union Youth Advisory Board. Applications are being accepted until Dec. 31. This a great opportunity for you guys to make a difference in the lives of your peers around Georgia.

-Want to be in an upcoming Georgia’s Own commercial? Tell us what makes you one of Georgia’s Own and you could be featured. For more info and submit your story, visit iamgeorgiasown.com.

-Lastly, I ran across this article recently about changes in student lending and wanted to share it with everyone. Just a reminder, we offer a great alternative to other higher priced, private student loans with Credit Union Student Choice. To find out more info or apply, click here.

Have a Happy Holidays!

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09.14.11 Georgia Colleges and Universities on Twitter
Posted under: Lifestyle, School Posted by:

Hey everyone!  Since school is in full swing, I thought I’d drop you all a handy resource.  So I compiled a list of colleges and universities in the state of Georgia who are on Twitter.  Twitter is a great way for you to connect with the schools and get updates about what’s going on… Plus, lots of these schools are always giving away free stuff!  If you have any to add to the list or your school is missing, please let me know!  I hope you all can take advantage of the great tool that is Twitter!  

Agnes Scott – @agnesscott
Albany State – @ASUFollowers
Andrew College – @AndrewCollege
Augusta State – @AugustaState
Brenau University – @BrenauU
Clayton State – @ClaytonStNews
Emory – @EmoryUniversity
Georgia College – @GeorgiaCollege
Georgia Tech -@georgiatech
Georgia Perimeter – @gpctweets
Georgia State – @GeorgiaStateU
Georgia Southern – @GeorgiaSouthern
Kennesaw State – @kennesawstate
Macon State – @maconstate
LaGrange – @LaGrangeCollege
Mercer – @MercerYou
Morehouse – @Morehouse
Savannah State -@savannahstate
SCAD – @SCADdotedu
Shorter – @shorteruniv
Spelman – @SpelmanCollege
UGA – @UGANews
Valdosta State – @valdostastate
 
Until next time…
 
Will.i.x

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08.10.11 Back to School
Posted under: i[give], School Posted by:

It’s a bitter sweet moment for most of us… actually, it’s mostly bitter; but the summer is coming to an end which means “Back 2 School”! Whether your going back to the same routine of high school, or starting fresh in college like me, it’s a sensation of excitement, sadness and other mixed feelings. Now that school is starting again, it would be a good time to start thinking of ways to get involved in your community. With all the extra-curricular and service clubs centered around community involvement it should be easy to find something that interests you! Once you find the activity that is right for you staying involved is a piece of cake! And don’t forget that when trying to get into college or even grad school community service on your application speaks loudly!

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07.28.11 Scholarship Winners Announced
Posted under: School Posted by:

We are very excited to announce that the 2011 Georgia’s Own scholarship winners have been selected.  A total of $15,000 was awarded this year.
 
1st Place ($5,000) – Alexander Carruth, Powder Springs – University of Georgia
2nd Place ($3,000) – Jessica Viller, Duluth – University of Georgia
3rd Place ($2,000) – Jennifer Dininger, Lawrenceville – Virginia Intermont College
 
Runners Up in alphabetical order ($1,000)  –       
Margaret Harris, Roswell – North Georgia College and State University
Taylor Heffner, Lawrenceville – Andrew College
Katelyn Niemann, Sugar Hill – Georgia Southern University
Danielle Smalls-Pressley, Decatur – Kennesaw State University
Shelly Tait, Sugar Hill – University of Georgia
 
The recipients were selected by a panel of community leaders and Georgia’s Own partners including David Dickey with Dickey Media, Jeff Dauler with All the Hits Q100, Jason Gorman with 680 The Fan, Johanna Styne with the Atlanta Hawks, Joe Chandler with AT&T, and Charmaine Ward with Georgia Pacific.
 
Congratulations to all of our winners for their hard work and thank you to everyone who submitted an application!

 

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07.20.11 Last Days of Summer Planning
Posted under: Money Management, School Posted by:

I hate to say it, but summer is almost over!  For my fellow high school students school starts in less than a month and for you college students you have a little extra time (lucky!).  This last month of “freedom” is crucial and how you spend those last sweet summer days mean everything.  Whether that involves finally seeing your aunt or an old friend, use your time and money wisely.

            A great way to utilize those last few weeks before school starts is to go on vacation! I am personally taking a short trip to Panama City, Florida.  How did I convince my parents to take me you ask?  I am also taking a college tour of Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL- just 45 minutes from the beach.  The beach and education combined in one trip is sure to please any parent.

Another way to get on your parents good side is to not spend all their money on back-to-school shopping.  The few weeks before school starts invites several excuses to spend money.  Even if it is your parents’ money, be thoughtful in your back-to-school shopping.  Do you really need a new backpack, pair of shorts or even book covers?  Think ahead.  Start by setting a priority list, which means the necessary school items suggested by your teachers.  Don’t forget, right before school begins is not the “only time” to shop.  You can wear two new outfits the first week of school and a month later purchase another outfit.

            Your last days of summer don’t have to be filled with shopping like no-other or wishing you were at the beach.  Instead, space out your back-to-school shopping and focus on the necessities and a few new articles of clothing.  Also, a great way to get that much-needed vacation is to position a weekend trip to a potential college with a great attraction, like the beach or a theme park, close by. Hope you enjoy those last days of summer!

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07.19.11 GOCU Scholarship Update
Posted under: Promotions, School Posted by:

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up…the 2011 Georgia’s Own Scholarship winners will be announced on Thursday, July 28th 2011.  This year we had around 170 applications and they all looked really awesome! It’s going to be a tough decision for our Scholarship Committee. Good luck to everyone that sent in an application and be sure to check back here to find out the winners!  Adios! 

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04.08.11 Georgia’s Own Credit Union’s $15,000 Scholarship Giveaway
Posted under: Feature Post 1, School Posted by:

It’s that time of year again! That’s right, we’re giving away $15,000 in scholarships to EIGHT lucky winners in 2011. At Georgia’s Own Credit Union, we believe in helping our members achieve their goals, and we are especially proud to help you, our young adult members, who are just starting out financially. That’s why Georgia’s Own is honored to award eight scholarships to students who epitomize the Credit Union’s “People Helping People” philosophy.

The top recipient will receive a $5000 scholarship for the 2011-2012 academic year. We will also be awarding a $3000 and $2000 scholarship to second and third-place recipients, respectively. Additionally, we will award five deserving runner-ups $1000 each. Georgia’s Own Credit Union scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate good financial habits, a commitment to their community and a commendable academic record.

Guidelines for Scholarship Consideration:

(1st Place Recipient: $5000 College Scholarship; 2nd Place Recipient: $3000 College Scholarship; 3rd Place Recipient: $2000 College Scholarship, Five (5) Runner-ups: $1000 each)

  1. The applicant must be a Georgia’s Own Credit Union i[x]member, 25 years of age or younger.
  2. The applicant must be enrolled or anticipate enrollment in 2011/2012, in an accredited institution.
  3. The applicant must write a 500-word essay, outlining goals, aspirations, college and career plans. The essay should also include ways in which the applicant manages his or her finances effectively.
  4. The applicant must be attending or have graduated from an accredited high school and provide transcripts for current and previous years.
  5. Written recommendations from two present or former instructors and/or employers, dated within the last three months, are required
  6. An outline of community and/or extracurricular involvement, including dates of involvement, must be included with the essay.
  7. Applicants that meet all of the above requirements will be eligible for scholarship entry.

All applications should be postmarked by June 18th and sent to: Georgia’s Own Scholarship Fund, Attn: Marketing, P.O. Box 105205, Atlanta, GA 30348

Click here to download the application form to include with your submission.

Officers, Directors, Supervisory Committee Members, Employees, Vendors, Agents, Successors and Assignments of Georgia’s Own Credit Union and immediate family members (defined as spouse, mother, father, in-laws, grandmother, grandfather, brother, sister, children, and grandchildren) are not eligible to win above-mentioned scholarships. Entries will be judged by a third-party panel of experts.

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08.31.10 Scholarship Winners
Posted under: Loans, School Posted by:

We are excited to announce that the 2010 Georgia’s Own scholarship winners have been selected.  Congrats are in order for our $5,000 winner, Omar Haque (Johns Hopkins University). our $3,000 winner, Mary Rose Darr (University of Georgia), our $2,000 winner, Michelle Chang (Harvard University), and our $1,000 winners, Emily Chasteen (Furman University), Grace Hazlett (Andrew College), Kristen Holmes (Oglethorpe University), Victoria Chambers (University of Georgia), and Meagin Drummond (Gordon College).

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