Blaze Foundation Scholarship Program

The Blaze Credit Union Foundation Scholarship Program supports the educational aspirations of students in Minnesota communities through financial assistance for post-secondary education.

Program Overview

Mission: The Foundation believes in the power of education to transform lives and communities. Scholarships serve as a beacon of hope and stepping-stone toward a brighter future.

Geographic Scope: Minnesota (state-wide for most scholarships; specific St. Paul high schools for branch scholarships)

Needs-Based Scholarships: Supporting Academic Aspirations

• Total Funding: $120,000
• Number of Awards: 48
• Amount per Scholarship: $2,500
• Eligibility: Selection based on demonstrated financial need
• Student Type: Traditional (high school seniors graduating in 2026)
• Purpose: Remove financial barriers and expand educational opportunities for students with demonstrated need

Member-Exclusive Scholarships: Valuing Our Blaze Family

• Total Funding: $60,000
• Number of Awards: 24
• Amount per Scholarship: $2,500
• Eligibility: Exclusive to Blaze Credit Union members
• Student Type: 12 Traditional and 12 Non-Traditional
• Vision: Demonstrate appreciation to members and reinforce commitment to educational endeavors of Blaze family

Blaze CU High School Branch Scholarships: Empowering Local Dreams

• Total Funding: $20,000
• Number of Awards: 8
• Amount per Scholarship: $2,500
• Eligibility: Open to all students, regardless of membership status
• Student Type: Traditional
• Geographic Focus: Como, Harding, Highland, and Johnson High Schools in St. Paul, MN (2 scholarships per school)

Eligibility Requirements

Traditional Applicants:

• Current high school student graduating in 2026

Non-Traditional Applicants:

• Student continuing or returning to higher-education endeavors

General Requirements:

• Must be enrolled, accepted, or planning to attend a post-secondary accredited school during 2026-2027 school year (2-year, 4-year, trade school, vocational school, graduate programs, etc.)
• May not receive more than one scholarship from Blaze Credit Union Foundation during the same school year
• All scholarships must be used within one year of award

Award Disbursement

• Scholarships paid directly to student's school
• Can be used for tuition, books, and fees
• Funds deposited with Student Financial Aid Office during first grading period
• Maintenance Requirements: Student must maintain GPA of 2.0 or better for current term; if not achieved in first term, may be carried over to second term
• Student must be in active status and attending classes part-time or full-time
• Any funds not withdrawn by end of 2026-2027 school year will be reclaimed

Selection Process

To eliminate bias, all applicants' names are omitted from selection. Applicants must not use their name or names of family members in essay, community involvement response, or elsewhere except First and Last Name fields.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Letter of Recommendation: 30%
• Community Involvement (35%): Notable accomplishments, professional or community affiliations, extra-curricular activities, awards, community/volunteer involvement
• Essay (35%): Describe a financial challenge you or your family has faced and how it shaped the way you think about money today

Application Process

Application Period: February 2 – March 31 (annual)

Next Cycle Status: The 2026 scholarship application window is closed. Winners announced in early May 2026.

Required Materials

1. Letter of Recommendation (30% of evaluation)
   • One letter required
   • Submitted as part of application
2. Community Involvement Documentation (35% of evaluation)
   • Document notable accomplishments
   • List professional or community affiliations
   • Detail extra-curricular activities
   • List awards received
   • Describe community/volunteer involvement
3. Essay (35% of evaluation)
   • Prompt: Describe a financial challenge you or your family has faced and how it shaped the way you think about money today
   • Critical: Do NOT include your name, family members' names, or any personally identifying information except in designated First Name and Last Name fields
4. Basic Information
   • First Name
   • Last Name
   • Proof of post-secondary school enrollment, acceptance, or plan to attend accredited school during 2026-2027 school year
   • Current GPA (for maintenance requirement verification)
   • School information (institution attending 2026-2027)

Submission Format

• Online application portal (specific URL not provided in materials)
• Deadline: March 31 (annual)

Tips for Application

• Ensure all identifying information is removed from narrative sections
• Clearly articulate financial need and how it has shaped your financial perspective
• Highlight concrete examples of community involvement and accomplishments
• Provide strong letter of recommendation that speaks to your character and potential