Direct Federal Credit Union is proud to announce that Zion Atkinson, a graduating senior and incoming college student, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Don Kelliher Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Scholarship for 2026. “I plan to attend either Northeastern University or UMass Amherst, where I will study bioengineering with the goal of building a career in medical technology and device innovation.”

Created in honor of Direct Federal Credit Union's Chairman Emeritus, Don Kelliher, the scholarship recognizes a student who has led or supported efforts to make their school and community more inclusive. During Don's tenure as Chairman, he was instrumental in establishing Direct Federal's Diversity and Inclusion Team, helping lay the foundation for the credit union's ongoing commitment to fostering belonging and inclusion.

Zion was selected from a competitive pool of applicants for his dedication to creating equitable opportunities for students and his commitment to building more inclusive communities. As a METCO student, Zion has experienced firsthand the disparities in access to educational resources between Boston and suburban school districts. Those experiences have inspired him to become an advocate for equity both inside and outside the classroom.

At school, Zion has been an active member of the Black Student Union, where he has helped create a welcoming space for students of color to celebrate their identities, share their experiences, and foster a stronger sense of belonging. He has also participated in Unified Sports, working alongside students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to demonstrate that inclusion means ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and succeed.

Looking beyond high school, Zion has begun developing plans for the METCO Community Opportunity Center, a future nonprofit organization designed to expand access to advanced academic programs, athletics, and leadership opportunities for students in Boston neighborhoods. Inspired by his own experiences commuting long distances to access these opportunities, Zion hopes to bring those same resources directly into the communities that need them most.

"Zion embodies the spirit of this scholarship," said Don Kelliher, Chairman Emeritus of Direct Federal Credit Union. "He has transformed his personal experiences into a vision for expanding opportunity for others. His commitment to building inclusive communities and creating equitable access for future generations reflects the values this scholarship was established to recognize."

The Donald Kelliher Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarship honors students who take meaningful action to make their schools and communities more welcoming and inclusive. Through leadership, service, and advocacy, recipients demonstrate that lasting change begins with a commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Direct Federal congratulates Zion Atkinson on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to seeing the positive impact he will continue to make throughout his college career and beyond.

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 Credit Union, please visit direct.com/scholarships.

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