Empower Students

Members First Scholarship Application

Applicant Information:

Mailing Address:

Parent or Guardian Information:

Mailing Address:

College/University Information:

Mailing Address:

Estimated annual academic expenses:

Educational:

In chronological order, list all high schools and colleges attended.

Work Experience:

In chronological order, list any current or previous employers.

Academic/School Activities and Awards:

List any academic-related activities that you have participated in during the past five (5) years and your specific involvement.

Community Activities:

List any community-related activities that you have participated in during the past five (5) years and your specific involvement.

Career and Vocational Objectives:

List any career and vocational-related activities that you have participated in during the past five (5) years and your specific involvement.

Essay:

Credit Unions are cooperative, local, not-for-profit financial institutions founded on the philosophy of "People Helping People." Please complete an essay in 500 words or less on one of the following topics: 1. How can credit unions better appeal to and serve Gen Z members? or 2. How can credit unions better influence our communities? Please reference sources where applicable.

Type or Paste Essay Below or Attach a Copy of Your Essay in .PDF Format.

Academic Recommendations:

Please submit at least one (1) and not more than four (4) academic letters of recommendation from authorities at your school such as teachers, principals, or guidance counselor in .PDF format.

Individual Recommendations:

Please submit at least one (1) and not more than four (4) letters of recommendation from individuals, other than family members, who have known you for at least two (2) years in .PDF format.

Transcripts:

Applicant must have a minimum high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 based on a 4.0 grading system, or a "B" average. Please attach a copy of transcripts for the past four (4) years.

Eligibility Guidelines:

- Applicant must be a current senior or graduate of an accredited high school, ready to begin as a first-year continuing education student. A GED is not an acceptable substitute.

- Applicant must have a minimum high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 based on a 4.0 grading system, or a "B" average. A copy of transcripts for the past four years is required.

- Applicant must plan to be a full-time student. Applicant must be a member in good standing at Members First Credit Union of Florida, and be the primary account holder at time of application and scholarship presentation (all students qualify for membership at Members First).

- At least one parent or guardian must be a member in good standing at Members First Credit Union of Florida and be the primary account holder at the time of application and scholarship presentation.

- Submit at least one (1) and not more than four (4) academic letters of recommendation from authorities at your school such at teachers, principals, or guidance counselor.

- Submit at least one (1) and not more than four (4) letters of recommendation from individuals, other than family members, who have known you for at least two years.

- Applicant must provide an essay in your words answering: 1. "How can credit unions better appeal to and serve Gen Z members?" or 2. "How can credit unions better influence our communities?" The essay can be 500 words or less with scources references where applicable.

- The completed application with required documents should submitted no later than Monday, March 31, 2025.

Additional Information:

No applicant will be excluded from participation or be denied the benefit of a Members First Scholarship on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, or disability. Recipients must meet all eligibility requirements.

The Members First Scholarship Committee will review all applications. The committee will submit their recommendation to the Board of Directors. The Board, by majority vote, will determine the recipients of the scholarship. All applicants will be notified of the Board of Directors' decision in writing in April 2025.

Certification:

I/we certify that all information provided on this application and all supporting documents are accurate and complete. I understand that misleading or false information will result in my application being disqualified. If selected as a scholarship winner, I give full consent for the use of my name and likeness to be used for promotional and publicity purposes. I understand that the decision of the Members First Credit Union of Florida Scholarship Committee is final.

How did you hear about Members First Credit Union of Florida's Scholarship Program? (select one)