Blaze Foundation Scholarship Program

The Blaze Credit Union Foundation scholarship program supports the educational aspirations of students in Minnesota communities through need-based and member-exclusive scholarships.

Geographic Scope: Minnesota (state-wide, with specific allocations for St. Paul high schools)

Focus Areas:

• Educational access and affordability
• Financial need
• Community involvement
• Demonstrated commitment to education

Total Funding: $200,000 across three scholarship categories

Scholarship Categories

1. Needs-Based Scholarships: Supporting Academic Aspirations

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

2. Member-exclusive Scholarships: Valuing Our Blaze Family

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

3. Blaze CU High School Branch Scholarships: Empowering Local Dreams

• Total Funding: $20,000
• Number of Scholarships: 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
• Must be enrolled, accepted, or planning to attend post-secondary accredited school during 2026-2027 school year
• Eligible schools: 2-year, 4-year, trade school, vocational school, graduate programs, etc.

Non-Traditional Applicants:

• Student continuing or returning to higher-education endeavors
• Must be enrolled, accepted, or planning to attend post-secondary accredited school during 2026-2027 school year

General Requirements:

• Awardees may not receive more than one scholarship from Blaze Credit Union Foundation during the same school year
• Winners must be enrolled, accepted, or planning to attend a post-secondary accredited school during 2026-2027 school year
• All scholarships must be used within one year of award

Selection Process

• Blind Review: All applicants' names omitted from selection process
• Applicants must not use personal names in essay, community involvement response, or other areas (except name fields)
• Rating Criteria:
  • Letter of Recommendation: 30%
  • Community Involvement: 35% (accomplishments, affiliations, extracurricular activities, awards, volunteer involvement)
  • Essay: 35% (Describe a financial challenge you or your family faced and how it shaped your thinking about money)

Fund Disbursement

• Funds deposited with Student Financial Aid Office of the student's school during first grading period
• Funds disbursed for tuition, books, and fees only
• Conditions:
  • Student must maintain GPA of 2.0 or better
  • If GPA below 2.0 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 unused funds by end of 2026-2027 school year will be reclaimed

Contact Information:

• Email: foundation@blazecu.com
• Phone: 651.215.3500 or 888.347.7473

Application Process

Timeline: Applications accepted February 2 – March 31 (annual)

Required Materials:

1. Letter of Recommendation (weighted 30%)
2. Community Involvement Response (weighted 35%)
3. Essay Response (weighted 35%)
4. Student identification/name fields
5. School enrollment or acceptance documentation

Application Instructions:

• All applicants must apply within the specified window (February 2 – March 31)
• Names must be used only in designated name fields
• Do not include personal names or family member names in essay or community involvement response
• Provide evidence of post-secondary school acceptance/enrollment/plans

Essay Prompt:

• Describe a financial challenge you or your family has faced and how it shaped the way you think about money today

Community Involvement Section:

• Document notable accomplishments
• List professional or community affiliations
• Detail extracurricular activities
• Include awards and recognition
• Describe community/volunteer involvement

Submission Requirements:

• Application must be submitted during open window
• Blind review process means formatting and completeness are important
• Follow all instructions carefully to avoid disqualification

Review Timeline:

• Winners announced in early May
• Applicants notified of results after May announcement