SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Announces Winners of 2025 Member Education Award Scholarships

June 03, 2025

Credit Union awarded $210,500 in scholarships to 248 students throughout California and other states

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the nation's largest serving school employees and their families, has awarded $210,500 in college scholarships to 248 students as part of its annual Member Education Award scholarship program for 2025. Launched in 2000, the scholarship program was established to invest in Members' long-term success. Most of the 2025 winners reside in California, with a few students representing other U.S. states. This year’s scholarship recipients include 158 high school seniors, 50 college freshmen and 40 college sophomores.

SchoolsFirst FCU presents scholarships each year to eligible high school graduating seniors, college freshmen and sophomores, to help cover the cost of books, tuition and other educational expenses. Scholarships are awarded based on students’ grade point average, difficulty of courses completed, letters of recommendation, community involvement, school involvement and leadership positions. All applicants must be a SchoolsFirst FCU Member with their own Member number, have completed no more than 60 college credits and must be registered at an accredited college/university for the upcoming Fall term. Awardees can reapply each year if they continue to meet the applicant criteria.

“For more than 25 years, the Member Education Award scholarship program has honored well-rounded students who demonstrate success in the classroom while also contributing in a positive way to their communities,” said Josh Smith, vice president, school and community relations for SchoolsFirst FCU. “We’re proud to present scholarships this year to improve the lives of these well-deserving students who are focused on furthering their education.”

About SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union serving school employees, and for the sixth year in a row, Forbes has named SchoolsFirst FCU the top credit union in California. Serving school employees and their families, the organization is dedicated to delivering World-Class Personal Service and improving the financial lives of its Members. In J.D. Power’s 2025 inaugural U.S. Credit Union Satisfaction Study, its Members ranked them #1 for overall satisfaction. Today they serve nearly 1.5 million Members with a full range of financial products and services. SchoolsFirst FCU was founded in 1934, when 126 school employees pooled $1,200 and established a Member-owned cooperative to help improve each other's lives. The Credit Union has nearly $34 billion in assets and remains the largest credit union in  California and the third largest credit union in the United States. For more information about SchoolsFirst FCU, visit schoolsfirstfcu.org.