PSECU Scholarships

Make the dream happen. If college is on the horizon, you could win one of six scholarships.
About the Scholarships

As a not-for-profit credit union, we were founded on the belief that everyone deserves opportunities for a better life. We also believe that knowledge increases your earning potential and gives you the power to make the most out of your money. This is why we have a scholarship program that helps graduating high school seniors reduce the financial burden of pursuing postsecondary education.

We offer six scholarships, each up to $8,000, to members graduating high school. Each recipient receives up to $2,000 per year for up to four years, providing scholarship requirements are met.

Since the program began in 1997, more than 100 students have benefited, going on to graduate and begin careers in medicine, education, science, communications, and other disciplines. The program has awarded more than a half million dollars to students embarking on higher education.


Eligibility Requirements
  • You must be a PSECU member by December 31, 2020 to be eligible to apply for the 2021 scholarship. Individuals with a custodial account are eligible to apply. Please note that joint owners are not considered members.
  • You must be a graduating senior attending a two- or four-year community college, college or university. The college or university does not have to be in the state of Pennsylvania. Students attending a technical school are not eligible.

The PSECU Scholarship application is usually available by September.

Honoring Our Past

Of the six scholarships we award, two are named for people who through word and deed represented the credit union's ideals and commitment to service.

PSECU John J. Marisic Memorial Scholarship - John was a longtime member of the PSECU Board of Directors and served as the Vice Chairman for a period of time. He was an active Board member and was very involved in community events. He was the embodiment of the mission of credit unions to serve the greater good. This scholarship is awarded to the top applicant in honor of John's dedication to PSECU and commitment to improving the community.

PSECU Michael A. Gottshall Memorial Scholarship - Michael was an employee of PSECU for over 12 years. He was known for being giving, genuine, and always putting others before himself. He believed in "living life today" and was often described as someone you were proud to introduce as your friend. This scholarship is awarded to an applicant in honor of Michael's commitment to service before self.

FAQs


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All applicants will need to add their high school counselor as a recommender on their applications. This is required so that school counselors can complete the necessary academic information for applicants. If you’re under 18, applicants will also have to add a parent or legal guardian as a recommender. This is so that a parent or legal guardian can review and sign off on the application before their child submits it.

If you have submitted a recommendation request and it’s not being received, first ask the recipient to check their spam folder for an email from noreply@mail.smapply.io. If it’s not there, it may be blocked by their email server. Some school districts specifically have strict security settings that block unknown domains. Please have your school counselor check with your school’s IT Department to request that emails from noreply@mail.smapply.io be released to their inbox.

Scoring is based on four parts: Academic Record, Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT), Extracurricular Activities and Awards, and an Essay. Please note that SAT or ACT scores are required to submit your application. The winners are chosen by the PSECU Scholarship Committee. Before the PSECU Scholarship Committee receives the applications for review, identifying information about each applicant is removed from the applications.

The winners are notified after the PSECU Scholarship Committee makes their selections. The winners are usually selected in April. All applicants are notified as to the outcome of the Committee's selections by early May.

Scholarships are sent in one lump sum ($2,000) to your university once a year after you have submitted the required documents. There are no restrictions placed on these funds. If you need any additional documentation from us regarding your scholarship, contact Lisa Kennedy. If you need the scholarship funds to be sent to your school by a certain date, be sure to send your required documentation to PSECU well in advance. It can take two to three weeks from the receipt of required documents for your scholarship check to be mailed to your school.
Scholarship Information Contact

Lisa Kennedy

Financial Education Analyst

lkennedy@psecu.com

2020 PSECU Scholarship Winners

scholarship 
Claire Diperna

State College Area High School
Hometown: Port Matilda, PA

student 
Matthew Gurgiolo

Camp Hill High School
Hometown: Camp Hill, PA

student 
Adrienne Keener

Springfield High School
Hometown: Springfield, PA

student 
Luke Wilson

Bald Eagle Area High School
Hometown: Port Matilda, PA

2020 PSECU John J. Marisic Memorial Scholarship Winner

student 
Maya Lee

Great Mills High School
Hometown: Leonardtown, MD

2020 PSECU Michael A. Gottshall Memorial Scholarship Winner

student 
Charley Baker

Susquenita High School
Hometown: Marysville, PA

Bright Future Banking

As you head off to college, and even after you graduate, our digital banking tools make it possible to continue banking with us, no matter where you go. When you get to campus, visit one of our Financial Education Centers to learn about anytime, anywhere banking and scholarship opportunities available for college students.