Above & Beyond Scholarship

Geographic Scope: Applicants must be attending an accredited higher education institute within the state of Kansas or within 80 miles of an Azura Credit Union location (Topeka, Lenexa, Mission, Olathe, and Ottawa, Kansas).

Program Focus: Supporting outstanding students pursuing higher education at universities, colleges, or trade schools.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be an Azura Credit Union member or have an immediate family member with an Azura account
• Membership effective date must be prior to December 2025
• Must be one or more of the following:
  • A high school senior graduating in 2026 (or 2027 for next cycle)
  • A current or future university or college student
  • A current or future vocational or technical student
• Azura Credit Union employees and Board Members are NOT eligible
• Immediate family members of Azura employees or Board Members are NOT eligible (includes spouse, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, siblings, in-laws)

Application Topic (2027 cycle)

Applicants must submit a 300-500 word written essay OR a 60-second video answering: "In what ways do you think artificial intelligence (AI) will create new opportunities—or challenges—in your chosen career field?"

Application Process

Application Windows:

• Opens: January 1 annually
• Closes: April 1 annually

Required Materials:

1. Submit an Azura Scholarship Application form
2. Submit ONE of the following:
   • 300-500 word written essay on the specified topic, OR
   • 60-second video essay on the specified topic
3. Copy of high school or most recent transcripts
4. Copy of acceptance letter to attend a Kansas accredited higher education institute

Video Submission Tips:

• Use a tripod or stable device to keep phone steady
• Film in landscape mode
• Ensure lighting is in front of you (not behind)
• Clean camera lens
• Choose a neutral background
• Develop outline of talking points before filming
• Introduce yourself
• Speak slowly and clearly
• Pay attention to volume
• Ensure submission is exactly 60 seconds
• Be creative
• Review before submitting
• Get feedback from trusted person

Award Announcement & Disbursement:

• Judging: Late April
• Recipients announced: May
• Funds disbursed: First week of August
• Payment made directly to college/university or technical school
• Funds may be used for tuition, housing, books, or meal costs

Additional Information:

• Applicants can apply in future years
• Recipients agree to have names, photos, and educational/biographical information published in Azura publications and press releases
• Committee has discretion to award applicants more than one scholarship