Needham, MA – Direct FederalCredit Union is proud to announce that Cailyn Kim, a graduating senior and incoming Yale University student, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Don Kelliher Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Scholarship for 2025.

Cailyn stood out among a competitive pool of applicants for her exceptional academic achievements, groundbreaking advocacy, and unwavering commitment to inclusion. As the founder of (H)AAPI Camp, Cailyn created a unique space for Asian American youth to explore and affirm their identities through early education on AAPI history—an effort that blossomed into broader advocacy at the state level.

“I wanted to reframe how AAPI history was taught and promote teaching it at an earlier age,” Cailyn said in her scholarship essay.Her work has not only empowered young children but also influenced educators and legislators. She has presented multiple times at the Harvard GraduateSchool of Education and supported Massachusetts Bill H.500, which aims to makeAAPI history a required part of the state’s curriculum.

Beyond founding (H)AAPI Camp, Cailyn has taken a leadingr ole in her school's BRIDGE club, fostering intercultural dialogue and promoting racial equity. Her impact is visible across multiple levels of community—from local classrooms to the state legislature.

"Cailyn is a brilliant scholar with a stellar work ethic,” wrote her research mentor Dr. Keana Richards, a Quantitative UXResearcher at Google. “Her ability to navigate complex research and communicate its implications with clarity is something I’ve rarely seen, even among PhD students.”

The Direct Federal DEI Scholarship recognizes students who exemplify leadership in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The award honors those who not only envision a more just society but take active steps to build it.

Direct Federal congratulates Cailyn Kim on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to the continued impact of her work as she begins her undergraduate journey at Yale University this fall.

Scholarship Details:

·       $12,000 Scholarship: $3,000 per year, up to four consecutive years, to be used at the discretion of the recipient.

·       Guaranteed Paid Summer Internship at Direct for three summers.

For more information about the Scholarship programs offered by Direct Federal CreditUnion, please visit direct.com/scholarships.

About Direct Federal CreditUnion: Direct Federal is a federally insured credit union located in Needham, Massachusetts. Starting as a local lender in 1953. Direct Federal Credit Union is a leading financial institution committed to providing its members with a wide range of financial products and services. With a focus on community involvement and financial education, Direct Federal Credit Union has been serving Massachusetts residents from Middlesex and Norfolk County and surrounding areas for over 70 years.

Media Contact:
Direct Federal Credit Union

Danya Raphael-Hoyle

Vice President of Marketing

draphael@direct.com

617-869-6228

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