FIRST COMMERCE CREDIT UNION logo

MyWay Scholarship

FIRST COMMERCE CREDIT UNION

Foundation Annual Grants for Education

Funding Amount

$1,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

MyWay Scholarship

Funder: First Commerce Credit Union

Status: Active (most recent award 2024)

Geographic Scope: North Florida and South Georgia service areas (specifically mentions Tallahassee, FL and Adel/Valdosta, GA)

Award Amount: $1,000 per scholarship

Program Background: First Commerce has awarded MyWay Scholarships for at least 10 years (as of 2024). The program recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in school and beyond.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Age: 17-29 years old
  • Account Requirement: Must have a First Commerce checking account in good standing
  • Account Types: SmartStart Teen (ages 13-17) or Power Checking (ages 18+)
  • Status: Must be pursuing higher education

Selection Criteria

Winners are selected based on:

  • Grades/academic performance

  • Community service

  • Leadership

  • School activities

  • Work experience
  • Application Requirements

    • Essay or short video elaborating on experiences with and approach to money
    • Lessons learned about financial management
    • Applications judged by independent panel of educators from:
    • - Florida A&M University - Florida State University - Tallahassee Community College (formerly Tallahassee State) - Valdosta State University - Thomas University

    Funding Details

    • Disbursement: Paid directly to student's chosen institution of higher learning
    • Eligible Uses: Tuition, fees, books, and school expenses
    • Number of Awards: Typically 2-4 scholarships awarded annually (2 in Florida, 2 in Georgia based on recent years)

    Account Features for Eligible Applicants

    MyWay checking accounts include:

  • Free online financial education courses

  • Automatic Savings Option (EvenUp program rounds up debit card purchases)

  • No Overdraft Fees

  • Zelle® money transfer capability

  • Real-time text and email alerts

  • Credit score monitoring and management

  • 24/7 digital banking with mobile deposit
  • Contact Information

    • Phone: 850.488.0035 or 1.800.533.5772
    • Website: FirstCommerceCU.org/Community/In-The-Community/MyWay-Scholarship
    • Additional Info: FirstCommerceCU.org/Checking

    Organization Background

    • Founded: 1940
    • Type: Full-service, not-for-profit credit union
    • Service Areas: Locations across North Florida and South Georgia
    • Structure: Member-owned cooperative

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Eligibility Check: Verify you have a First Commerce checking account in good standing (SmartStart Teen or Power Checking)
    2. Obtain Application: Contact First Commerce or visit their website for application materials
    3. Complete Application Form: Submit personal and academic information
    4. Submit Essay or Video:
    - Option A: Write an essay elaborating on your experiences with money and approach to financial management
    - Option B: Submit a short video on the same topic
    - Include lessons learned about managing money
    5. Submit Application: Send completed application with essay/video to First Commerce
    6. Judgment: Independent panel of educators from partner institutions reviews applications
    7. Award Notification: Winners are selected and notified
    8. Disbursement: Scholarship funds are paid directly to the student's chosen institution

    Required Materials

    • Completed scholarship application form
    • Essay or short video (required)
    • Proof of enrollment/acceptance to institution of higher learning
    • Demonstrated active First Commerce checking account in good standing

    Judging Criteria

    Applications evaluated on:

  • Academic performance (grades)

  • Community service involvement

  • Leadership demonstrated

  • School/extracurricular activities

  • Work experience

  • Quality of essay/video response about money management and financial lessons
  • Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    education

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