Scholarship Program Provides Youth Outreach Opportunities; New Online Portal Eases Application & Judging Process
The Foundation’s 2015 College Scholarship Program is now underway.
The 2015 topic for essay and video applicants is: “Imagine that you are talking with a friend. Explain to them the value of your credit union membership.”
Photographers are invited to capture an original photograph that represents the credit union core value “Thrift.”
Any college- or trade school-bound member of a credit union based in Maryland or D.C. is eligible to apply. Parental membership does not qualify an applicant. The scholarship program is completely turnkey and free to MD & D.C. credit unions.
Credit unions receive access to:
- $12,000 in scholarship awards (ten $1,000 essay-based, one $1,000 video-based & one $1,000 photo-based award)
- Online application process
- Lobby posters (as many as you need!)
- Scholarship graphics
- Statement stuffer artwork
- Sample newsletter/web articles
- A panel of 100+ volunteer judges!
“We structure the scholarship initiative to encourage credit unions to offer the program as if it’s their own,” noted Foundation Executive Director Kyle Swisher. “Scholarships are a great tool for credit unions to use to increase youth membership and educate young adults on credit union values and services. Every credit union in Maryland and D.C. should promote this free program as a service to their members.” Promotional kits are mailed to credit unions in the fall and include a supply of lobby posters, a sample newsletter article, and links to graphics, online applications, and more. Materials are also available at the Foundation’s website.
After the March 31, 2015 deadline every credit union with applicants receives copies of their members’ entries and standing among the field of applicants. “Many credit unions recognize their members who apply by providing gift cards or a scholarship of their own, even if they don’t end up in the top ten,” added Swisher.
