WATERFORD — Charter Oak Federal Credit Union announced the expansion of its $70,000 scholarship program and awarding $25,000 in grants to local organizations.

First-quarter local grant recipients include: Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut and The Last Green Valley.

In the second quarter the credit union awarded $78,000 in college scholarships to 39 students. “A few applicants had exceptional essays and we decided to award a few additional scholarships – exceeding the initial amount by $8,000,” said Brian A. Orenstein, Charter Oak’s President and Chief Executive Officer.