Abound’s Military Education Association keeps active-duty ECTC students on track

Published on Nov 5, 2025

With support from Abound Credit Union, active-duty military students at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College are keeping their educational goals on track during the shutdown of the federal government.  

The shutdown froze federal tuition assistance, leaving some students with balances as the college’s Fall 2025 second bi-term started Oct. 20. The Military Education Association, an established fund created in partnership with Abound Credit Union, provided $4,434 in scholarships to six students, who are each enrolled in one or two bi-term classes.

“Our commitment to military is unwavering,” said Ray Springsteen, Abound’s President/CEO. “Wherever we can create stability – we will. We’re proud to support ECTC’s MEA,” he added.

The partnership with Abound allowed ECTC to provide prompt and meaningful solutions to students.

“This program exists to remove financial barriers for our military-connected students, and we are so grateful to Abound Credit Union for their ongoing generosity and support of those who serve,” said Director of Military and Veterans Services Tabbi Stutzenberger. “Some students already had elected to drop their classes, postponing their academic progress, but they are now moving forward as planned. That reminds us that partnerships like the MEA truly support student success.”

The MEA allows ECTC’s Military and Veteran Services team to support active-duty, veterans and military-connected students in a variety of ways including special events, training opportunities and the cost-saving Texts for Vets textbook lending program. Abound Credit Union also assists ECTC students through financial literacy workshops regularly available on campus and supports ECTC initiatives such as Pathfinder Academy youth summer program and Advanced Manufacturing Career Days.  

To learn more about supporting ECTC students, visit elizabethtown.kctcs.edu/giving.