Scholarship & Educational Grant Programs

Download Application

Scholarship Requirements 

I. Eligibility  

• Meets residency requirements (lives in Jackson, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Calhoun, Washtenaw, or Monroe County) 

• Enrolling in an accredited college/university or trade school post high school graduation.

II. Financial Need  

• Submitted FAFSA EFC findings 

III. Essay/Video Submission   

• Clearly reflects on community service experiences and impact on character, values, and future goals 

• Discusses skills developed through community service (teamwork, problem-solving, leadership) 

• Articulates a clear connection between community service and career aspirations 

• Clearly articulates financial need and how the scholarship will assist in achieving academic and professional goals 

• Essay: Follows format guidelines (word count, spacing, font) 

  • 800-1,000 words
  • Double spaced, 12-14 point font, single-sided
• Video: Meets minimum length (3 minutes) and quality standards 

Immediate family of American 1 Credit Union staff and board members are not eligible for this scholarship. 

Applications must be submitted online by April 7, 2025, or by mail, postmarked by April 7, 2025: 

www.american1cu.org/scholarships 

OR 

American 1 Credit Union 

Attn: Community Partnerships 

718 E Michigan Ave. 

Jackson, MI 49201  

Applicants can confirm receipt by emailing partners@a1cu.org or calling 517.539.9300. 

2025 Continued Education Scholarship Terms: Graduating high school seniors may be entered to win a $1000 scholarship each when they submit the Continued Education Scholarship form located at american1cu.org/scholarships. One application is allowed per student; students must plan to attend college, complete a certificate, or join a trade school in 2025 and must reside in one of the following counties: Jackson, Hillsdale, Calhoun, Wayne, Lenawee, or Washtenaw. Membership with American 1 Credit Union is not required to apply.  Membership is required if selected as a scholarship recipient. Submissions must be completed between 2/7/25 and 4/7/25. Ten (10) winners will be selected on 4/28/25, prizes will be awarded within 60 days of drawing. Recipients agree that their name may be used for promotional purposes to enhance awareness of American 1 Credit Union’s Continued Education Scholarship Program.  Members must be in good standing. Employees, board members, and immediate family members are not eligible for the Continued Education Scholarship. All federal and state tax rules apply.

Download Application

Grant Requirements 

• Community members living in Jackson, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Calhoun, and Washtenaw counties.  

• Individuals currently pursuing an associate, undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university or currently enrolled in a trade-school program.  

• Applicants will have the opportunity to explore internship opportunities with American 1 Credit Union. 

• Membership will be required for winners for payment. 

• FASFA EFC (expected family contribution) findings submitted with entry. 

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required. Must submit transcripts initially and annually to receive scholarships.   

• 1 – Letter of recommendation is required.  

Written Essay or Video Submission Required 

• Written Essay Requirements 

  • 1,000-2,000 words 

  • Double spaced, 12–14-point font, single-sided 

• Video Submission Requirements 

  • Min of 3 min.  

  • Uploaded to YouTube with link shared on application.  

Prompts for essay or video submission

• Reflect on your past: Discuss your financial background, any challenges, or obstacles you have faced, and how these experiences have shaped your understanding of financial wellness. 

• Highlight key moments: Share specific examples of financial decisions you have made, both positive and negative, and the lessons learned from them. 

• Explain your academic goals: Discuss your chosen field of study and how it aligns with your career aspirations. 

• Connect education to financial wellness: Explain how obtaining a higher education will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for financial success. 

• Discuss potential career paths: Explore the earning potential and financial stability associated with your chosen field. 

• Outline your financial goals: Clearly state your short-term and long-term financial objectives, such as paying off student loans, building savings, or purchasing a home. 

• Discuss your financial strategies: Explain the steps you plan to take to achieve your financial goals, such as budgeting, investing, or seeking financial counseling. 

• Connect financial wellness to personal fulfillment: Discuss how achieving financial wellness will contribute to your overall well-being and quality of life. 

Applications must be submitted online by April 7, 2025, or by mail, postmarked by April 7, 2025: 

www.american1cu.org/scholarships 

OR 

American 1 Credit Union 

Attn: Community Partnerships 

718 E Michigan Ave. 

Jackson, MI 49201  

Applicants can confirm receipt by emailing partners@a1cu.org or calling 517.740.2336 

Board of Directors Grant Terms: Individuals may be entered to win a $2,500 grant when they submit the Board of Directors Grant form located at american1cu.org/grants. Recipients may have the additional opportunity to renew the Board of Directors Grant for up to four (4) years ($10,000 in total); additional requirements may apply for renewal. One application is allowed per individual per year; applicants must be currently pursuing an associate, undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university or currently enrolled in a trade-school program at the time of application and must reside in one of the following counties: Jackson, Hillsdale, Calhoun, Wayne, Lenawee, or Washtenaw. Membership with American 1 Credit Union is not required to apply.  Membership is required if selected as a grant recipient.  Submissions must be completed between 2/7/25 and 4/7/25. One (1) winner will be selected on 4/28/25, prize will be awarded within 60 days of drawing. Recipients agree that their name may be used for promotional purposes to enhance awareness of American 1 Credit Union’s Board of Directors Grant Program. Members must remain in good standing through the grant period to remain eligible.   Employees, board members, and immediate family members are not eligible for the teacher grant promotion. All federal and state tax rules apply.

Individuals may be entered to win a $2,500 grant when they submit the Board of Directors Grant form located at american1cu.org/grants. Recipients may have the additional opportunity to renew the Board of Directors Grant for up to four (4) years ($10,000 in total); additional requirements may apply for renewal. One application is allowed per individual per year; applicants must be currently pursuing an associate, undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university or currently enrolled in a trade-school program at the time of application and must reside in one of the following counties: Jackson, Hillsdale, Calhoun, Wayne, Lenawee, or Washtenaw. Membership with American 1 Credit Union is not required to apply.  Membership is required if selected as a grant recipient.  Submissions must be completed between 2/7/25 and 4/7/25. One (1) winner will be selected on 4/28/25, prize will be awarded within 60 days of drawing. Recipients agree that their name may be used for promotional purposes to enhance awareness of American 1 Credit Union’s Board of Directors Grant Program. Members must remain in good standing through the grant period to remain eligible.   Employees, board members, and immediate family members are not eligible for the teacher grant promotion. All federal and state tax rules apply.

2025 Continued Education Scholarship Terms: Graduating high school seniors may be entered to win a $1000 scholarship each when they submit the Continued Education Scholarship form located at american1cu.org/scholarships. One application is allowed per student; students must plan to attend college, complete a certificate, or join a trade school in 2025 and must reside in one of the following counties: Jackson, Hillsdale, Calhoun, Wayne, Lenawee, or Washtenaw. Membership with American 1 Credit Union is not required to apply.  Membership is required if selected as a scholarship recipient. Submissions must be completed between 2/7/25 and 4/7/25. Ten (10) winners will be selected on 4/28/25, prizes will be awarded within 60 days of drawing. Recipients agree that their name may be used for promotional purposes to enhance awareness of American 1 Credit Union’s Continued Education Scholarship Program.  Members must be in good standing. Employees, board members, and immediate family members are not eligible for the Continued Education Scholarship. All federal and state tax rules apply.