Scholarship Opportunity

NYCUA Statewide College Scholarship Program

Offered by New York Credit Union Association

Statewide scholarships for graduating members of participating New York credit unions entering college or trade school for the first time.

EssayRequired
RenewableNo
Grade LevelHigh School Senior

AI Use Policy

AI assistance is prohibited

The 2026 application prohibits generative AI from creating any portion of the essay and states that violations disqualify the application.

Do not use ScholarScore's essay review tools for this scholarship. Follow the provider's rules when preparing your application.

Review AI Policy →

Eligibility

  • Be a member in good standing at a participating New York credit union.
  • Be a college-bound high school senior entering a two- or four-year accredited institution or trade school for the first time in fall 2026.
  • Use any 2026 award by January 31, 2027 at an accredited institution.

Requirements

  • 2026 application rule: Obtain your credit union verification code and complete the required form.
  • 2026 application rule: Provide your grades 9–11 transcript and a 300–500 word essay in 12-point type, double spaced, with citations.
  • 2026 application rule: Address the credit union's cooperative purpose, its community contribution and a proposed initiative.
  • 2026 application rule: Complete student and parent/guardian authorization. Do not include recommendation letters or unrequested attachments.
  • 2026 application rule: The essay must contain no AI-generated content; the form states this can disqualify the application.

How to Apply

  1. 1Check the association's current application and participating credit union list.
  2. 2Submit the application, transcript and essay as separate files through the appropriate credit union submission link.
  3. 3The 2026 deadline was January 9, 2026 and applications are closed. Check for the next cycle.
  4. 4One submission can also qualify for a participating credit union's own award and a participating chapter award. State-level scoring uses only one application even if you belong to multiple credit unions.