A total of $15,000 in scholarships are available for 15 Ascentra Credit Union student members to help offset the costs of attending postsecondary institutions including college, university and trade programs in 2025.
The awards available are:
- Five $1,000 scholarships for high school student members planning to enter college.
- Five $1,000 scholarships for non-traditional student members age 19 or over planning to attend higher education.
- Five $1,000 scholarships for members entering vocational school or college with a trade program or entering an internship program with a union or business.
To make it easier for applicants, Ascentra offers an online application process available here.
In addition, Ascentra is partnering with several local organizations that offer scholarships and has shared links on their sites to make it easier for applicants to find additional opportunities, the Quad Cities credit union said in a news release.
How, when to apply
Traditional and non-traditional students are judged on their essays, resumes, awards, extracurricular activities, volunteer services and work experience. This year’s 500-word essay question is, “How can credit unions leverage technology to better serve the financial needs of today’s young consumers?”
Entrants for the vocational or trades scholarship will need to submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or advisor, and answer the question: “How do you plan to use this scholarship if awarded?” in less than 75 words.
“We are excited to continue our annual scholarship program in 2025,” Ascentra Credit Union President and CEO Linda Andry said in the release. “Being able to provide our student members with these scholarship opportunities not only encourages them to grow with less financial stress but also supports the credit union mission of people helping people.”
In July, Ascentra awarded $11,000 in scholarships.
The Ascentra Scholarship Program allows students to apply every year they are enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning and/or trade program, even if they are a previous scholarship recipient.
For official rules and to apply for these scholarships and others, visit ascentra.org/scholarships. All entries must be submitted by the end of the day on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Founded in1950, Ascentra Credit Union boasts more than $538 million in assets and nine branches serving the communities of Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport and Muscatine, Iowa and in Moline. Learn more about Ascentra Credit Union at ascentra.org.
