Quest For Education Scholarship
Vantage Credit Union is dedicated to helping students reach their educational goals through higher education. We award ten $1,000 Quest For Education (QFE) scholarships to young members who qualify, to be paid to the recipients’ chosen accredited college, university or trade school at the time of fall registration. One scholarship is awarded per recipient, and funds can be used for books and tuition.
Deadlines
Applications must be received by March 1, 2024.
Recommendation letters must be received by March 8, 2024.
NOTE: Once your application is submitted, your teacher and sponsor will receive a unique link via email that they must use to submit their letters of recommendation before the deadline. We recommend asking them to commit to writing a letter of recommendation well before the deadline and completing your portion of the application early to ensure they have time to draft and submit their letters.
Eligibility
Any Vantage Credit Union member (primary account holder) who is a graduating high school senior may apply* for our QFE scholarship. If you’re not a member, you may open an account and become eligible to apply.
What you need to apply
1. A student essay: If you could have one do-over in your life, what would it be and why? Elaborate on your experience and how the do-over would affect future outcomes and possibilities. (one page maximum)
2. A resume: Your resume (maximum two pages) should highlight your job history, extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteer work, community service) and any awards or honors you’ve earned. Consider this your professional resume, using a proper business resume layout.
3. Contact information for those writing your letters of recommendation: (Two required) One from a teacher (whom you’ve had for class), and one from a sponsor, employer or coach (sponsor = an individual who has directly and actively led an extracurricular activity or organization in which the applicant has participated)
The letters should address your character; what the teacher/sponsor believes are your greatest attributes; specific accomplishments; examples of educational, employment and/or community leadership; your potential for future personal achievement; and why the teacher/sponsor feels you deserve a Quest For Education Scholarship.
4. Credit Union Membership: How long you have had your own account with Vantage. (See eligibility section above for more information.)
Selection process
Applications are judged by a group comprised of Vantage Credit Union volunteers, members and employees. Judging takes place in February and early March. Winners will be notified in late March. All decisions are final.
Application Assessment
The Essay– judges will consider such criteria as:
Content: Does the essay address the assigned topic? Is it clear and focused? Does it hold the reader’s interest?
Organization: Does the structure of the essay make it easy to read and understand?
Writing Basics: Does the writer demonstrate knowledge of conventional writing (grammar usage, spelling, punctuation, etc.)?
The Resumé– judges will rank how you invested your time outside of the classroom. Did you volunteer, have a job(s), participate in clubs or sports? Be sure to highlight any honors or awards you received from your participation in these activities (and school), and include the time commitment involved.
The Recommendation Letters– judges will ensure that each recommendation addresses your character; what the teacher/sponsor believes are your greatest attributes; specific accomplishments; examples of educational, employment and/or community leadership; your potential for future personal achievement; and why the teacher/sponsor feels you deserve a Quest For Education Scholarship.
Financial need isn’t a criterion for this award, nor is class rank, SAT/ACT score or grade point average. Any applicant who provides such information (including in the recommendation letters and resume) will be disqualified.
All required information must be submitted online by the application deadline; incomplete applications will be disqualified.
All applicants will receive consideration for our scholarship without regard to sex, race, color, national origin or ancestry, religion, age, handicap, financial need or marital status.
*Vantage Board and Supervisory members, staff, and their families are not eligible to receive this award. The term “immediate family” includes spouses, siblings, parents, children, grandparents and grandchildren, whether as “in-laws” or by current marriage, adoption, or co-habitation and any other persons residing at the same household whether or not related.
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