Vantage Credit Union is dedicated to helping students reach their educational goals through higher education. We award ten $1,000 Quest for Education scholarships to young members who qualify, to be paid to the recipients’ chosen accredited college, university, or trade school at the time of fall registration. One scholarship is awarded per recipient, and funds can be used for books and tuition.
Eligibility
Any Vantage Credit Union member (primary account holder) who is a graduating high school senior may apply * for our QFE scholarship. If you’re not a member, you may open an account and become eligible to apply.
What You Need to Apply
For full explanation of the application and process refer to our Quest For Education Scholarship page.
1. Your student essay: If you could have one do-over in your life, what would it be and why? Elaborate on your experience and how the do-over would affect future outcomes and possibilities. (one page maximum)
2. Your resume: Highlight your job history, extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteer work, community service) and any awards or honors you’ve earned. Consider this your professional resume, using a proper business resume layout. Do NOT include information such as GPA, test scores, class rank, etc. or the application will be disqualified. (two pages maximum)
3. Contact information for those writing your letters of recommendation: One teacher (who has had you in class) and one sponsor, employer or coach (who has directly and actively led an extracurricular activity or organization in which you have participated).
4. Credit Union Membership: See eligibility section above for more information.
Selection
Financial need isn’t a criterion for this award, nor is class rank, SAT/ACT score, or grade point average. Any applicant who provides such information (including in the recommendation letters and resume) will be disqualified.
Applications are judged by a group comprised of Vantage Credit Union volunteers, members, and employees. Judging takes place in March and early April. Winners will be notified in late April. All decisions are final.
The Essay:
Judges will consider such criteria as:
Content: Does the essay address the assigned topic? Is it clear and focused? Does it hold the reader’s interest?
Organization: Does the structure of the essay make it easy to read and understand?
Writing Basics: Does the writer demonstrate knowledge of conventional writing (grammar usage, spelling, punctuation, etc.)?
The Recommendation Letters: Should address your character; what the teacher/sponsor believes are your greatest attributes; specific accomplishments; examples of educational, employment, and/or community leadership; your potential for future personal achievement; and why the teacher/sponsor feels you deserve a Quest For Education Scholarship.
Financial need isn’t a criterion for this award, nor is class rank, SAT/ACT score, or grade point average. Any applicant who provides such information (including in the recommendation letters and resume) will be disqualified.
All required information must be submitted online by the application deadline; incomplete applications will be disqualified.
Deadlines
Applications must be received by March 3, 2023.
Recommendation letters must be received by March 10, 2023.
NOTE: Once your application is submitted, you will receive a unique URL by email to share with your teacher and sponsor. They must submit their letters of recommendation through the unique URL before the deadline. We recommend asking them to commit to writing a letter of recommendation well before the deadline and completing your portion of the application early to ensure they have time to draft and submit their letters.
All applicants will receive consideration for our scholarship without regard to sex, race, color, national origin or ancestry, religion, age, handicap, financial need or marital status.
* Vantage Credit Union and subsidiary Board and Supervisory Committee members, staff, and their families are not eligible to receive this award. The term “immediate family” includes spouses, siblings, parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren, whether as “in-laws” or by current marriage, adoption, or co-habitation, and any other persons residing at the same household whether or not related.
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