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WECU Member Scholarships

WHATCOM EDUCATIONAL CREDIT UNION

Foundation Annual
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Funding Amount

$98,000 annually ($38,000 institutional scholarships + $50,000 athletic scholarships + $10,000 Western Welcomes Scholarships)

Deadline

April 30, 2026

11 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

WECU Member Scholarships

Overview: WECU awards 33 member scholarships annually to support local higher education. The credit union partners with five institutions of higher learning to distribute $98,000 in funding each year.

Partner Institutions:

  • Western Washington University

  • Whatcom Community College

  • Bellingham Technical College

  • Northwest Indian College

  • Skagit Valley College

    • Scholarship Types:

      Institutional Scholarships

    • Amount: $38,000 annually
    • Distribution: Divided among the five partner institutions
    • Purpose: Honor WECU's heritage as the Bellingham Teachers Credit Union (founded 1936) by supporting local education

      Athletic Scholarships

    • Amount: $50,000 annually
    • Focus: Support student-athletes

      Western Welcomes Scholarships

    • Amount: $10,000 annually
    • Focus: Increase access to higher education for historically underrepresented students, including first-generation college attendees

    Eligibility Requirements:

  • Membership: WECU member in good standing for at least one year

  • Academic Status: Full-time student enrolled at a partner institution

  • GPA: Minimum accumulated GPA of 2.75

  • Financial Need: Demonstrated need for financial aid

  • Application: Must apply through the financial aid office of your school

    • Geographic Scope: Whatcom and Skagit Counties, Washington (partner institution locations)

    Application Timeline:

  • April 1-30, 2026: Inquiry window for students interested in Fall 2026 scholarships

  • May 2026: Schools receive notice of student interest and contact applicants with next steps

  • Summer 2026: Schools notify applicants of award status

    • Application Process: Applications and further details are available through the financial aid office of each school

    Note: WECU is unable to assist with application completion; students should contact their school's financial aid office for status updates

    Heritage: WECU was founded in 1936 as the Bellingham Teachers Credit Union, maintaining a strong commitment to education

    About WECU: Member-owned, not-for-profit credit union headquartered in Bellingham, Washington. Serves over 175,000 members with more than $3.0 billion in assets.

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Inquiry Period: Students interested in Fall 2026 scholarships must inquire between April 1-30, 2026

    2. Submit Inquiry: Contact the financial aid office of your partner institution (Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College, Northwest Indian College, or Skagit Valley College)

    3. School Notification: In May, your school will receive notice of your interest and will contact you directly

    4. Application Requirements: Your school will provide information about additional application requirements as relevant

    5. Award Notification: In Summer 2026, schools will notify applicants of their award status

    6. Questions/Status Updates: Contact your school's financial aid office directly—WECU is unable to assist with application completion or status inquiries

    Required Materials:

  • Application through school's financial aid office (specific materials determined by each institution)

  • Proof of WECU membership and one-year tenure

  • Verification of full-time enrollment status

  • Current GPA documentation (minimum 2.75 required)

  • Financial aid need assessment (as required by institution)

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