WESTconsin Credit Union Scholarship Program

Geographic Scope: Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota (service area)

Total Awarded to Date: Over $365,000 in scholarships since program inception

WESTconsin Credit Union offers annual scholarships to support graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education. The program was launched in 1995 and has become a cornerstone of the credit union's commitment to investing in the next generation. Scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating academic achievement, school and community involvement, career aspirations, and personal goals.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a graduating high school senior
• Must be a primary account holder with WESTconsin Credit Union as of August 31 prior to senior year
• Must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 or higher on a 4-point scale
• Must plan to attend a university, college, or trade school in the upcoming year
• Open to members in Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota service area

Important Eligibility Note

To qualify, applicants must have established membership (primary account holder status) with WESTconsin Credit Union by August 31 prior to their senior year of high school. Those not yet members should contact their local WESTconsin office.

Selection Criteria

Scholarship recipients are selected based on:

• Academic achievement
• School and community involvement
• Career aspirations
• Personal goals
• Character and leadership (for Kindness Counts Scholarship)

Award Details

• Amount: $500 per scholarship
• Duration: One-time award (one year only)
• Non-renewable: Cannot be applied for in subsequent years
• Number of Awards: Multiple awards available (14 awards in 2024-2025 cycle)

Special Scholarships

Kindness Counts Scholarship: A new $500 scholarship awarded to up to two students who exemplify kindness through their actions, character, and leadership and make a positive impact in their communities.

Timeline

• Application Opens: October 1
• Application Deadline: March 1 at 11:59 p.m.
• Winners Announced: May
• Scholarship Check Distribution: Usually February of the student's first year of college (after submission of first semester enrollment information)

Contact Information

• Phone: (800) 924-0022 (main line) or (715) 232-7300 / (888) 928-2255
• Website: westconsincu.org
• Local Office Contact: Contact your local WESTconsin Credit Union office for questions

Service Area Locations

WESTconsin serves members through offices in:

• Altoona, Amery, Baldwin, Barron, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Ellsworth, Hudson, Menomonie (3 locations), New Richmond, Prescott, Rice Lake, and River Falls in Wisconsin; plus Eastern Minnesota locations

Application Process

1. Access the Application
   • Visit westconsincu.org
   • Click on the Community tab
   • Navigate to the Scholarship Program page
   • Click on the application link to access AwardSpring (the online application platform)
2. Create an Account
   • Create a new username and password in AwardSpring
   • Note: This account is separate from your WESTconsin Credit Union membership account and is NOT linked to your member account
   • Use this AwardSpring account for all application communications and status updates
3. Required Application Materials
   • Complete online application form
   • Two (2) letters of recommendation (required)
   • Letters must be submitted through the AwardSpring website
   • Hard copies or alternative letters of recommendation will NOT be accepted
   • Plan for additional time to obtain recommendations through the online system
   • Personal information and academic details
4. Submit Application
   • Complete entire application (form + both recommendation letters) by March 1 at 11:59 p.m.
   • All materials must be submitted through AwardSpring
   • Late submissions will not be accepted
5. After Award Notification
   • If selected as a scholarship recipient, you will be required to submit:
   • Current photo of yourself
   • Signed media release form (allows credit union to publish your achievement)
   • Proof of enrollment in college for the upcoming semester
   • Information about your first semester of college
   • All follow-up materials are submitted through your AwardSpring account
   • Award presentation typically occurs at your high school's scholarship award ceremony
6. Scholarship Disbursement
   • WESTconsin will verify your first semester enrollment
   • Scholarship check is mailed to the address listed in your AwardSpring account
   • Distribution typically occurs in February of your first year of college
   • Payment is contingent on proof of college enrollment

Key Application Notes

• All communications about application status and follow-up items occur through AwardSpring
• Do not submit hard copies of recommendation letters
• Ensure recommenders submit letters through the online system as delays are common
• Keep your AwardSpring account information current
• The application platform is different from your bank membership account