Financial Wellness Scholarship Program

Awarding $5,000 to Four High School Seniors in 2027

Financial Wellness Scholarship Program

Graduating from high school is a major milestone, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your educational journey. You've worked hard, and now it's time to take the next step toward your future and the opportunities ahead! 
  • To help our members navigate the growing cost of higher education, Blackhawk Community Credit Union proudly awards four $5,000 scholarships to graduating seniors each year. Through this long-standing tradition, we proudly support our members' educational goals with the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education.

2027 Scholarship Application

Invest in Your Future. Celebrate Your Community.

Your community has helped shape who you are. Now, share what makes it special to you! The Blackhawk Community Credit Union Financial Wellness Scholarship Program recognizes graduating seniors who are preparing for their next educational adventure and celebrates the people, places, and experiences that make our communities stronger.

Whether you express yourself through a video, essay, or visual poster, we want to hear your story!


Who Can Apply

To be eligible for the BHCCU Financial Wellness Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
  • BHCCU Membership: Be a primary member (the first owner named on the account) in good standing.
  • Graduating Senior: Be a 2027 graduating senior from a high school or home school within the communities BHCCU serves.
  • Continuing Education: Plan to attend an accredited public or private college, community college, or technical college. Scholarship funds will not be disbursed until the student has been accepted and enrolled in an accredited institution.
NOTE: Previous winners are not eligible for the BHCCU Scholarship Program.







What You Need to Apply

Your application should tell us about your accomplishments, your experiences, and the community that means so much to you.

Please ensure every submitted file—including your application, transcript, and creative submission—is labeled with your full name.
Fill Out Your Application

Submit a completed scholarship application that includes:

Volunteer & Community Involvement

Awards & Honors

Extracurricular & Leadership Activities

A brief description of how you balance your responsibilities, including school, work, community involvement, and personal life.
Your High School Transcript
Include your high school transcript showing your GPA from the end of the most recent school year.

Your Community Story

Share Your Community Story – What's your favorite part of your community, and why is it special to you?

Think about a place, event, or tradition that captures what you love about where you live. Tell us why it matters to you. Maybe it has helped you grow, brought people together, or made you feel more connected to the people around you.

We want to see your community through your eyes!




































Choose Your Creative Format

Pick the format that best expresses what your community means to you.

Submit One of the Following:
  • Option 1: Short Video – Bring your story to life on camera! (Videos must be no longer than three minutes.)
  • Option 2: Creative Essay – Put your thoughts into words with a creative, heartfelt essay. (Essays must be no longer than two pages.)
  • Option 3: Visual Poster – Design a poster that speaks volumes. Use your creativity to illustrate what makes your community meaningful to you.
There's no single way to tell your story. Choose the format that allows your connection to your community to shine.





































How Are Scholarships Awarded?

A panel of impartial judges will review the applications and make the final decisions. All decisions are final.

Scholarship recipients will be notified in May with a congratulatory letter and a certificate of achievement. They will also be recognized in BHCCU marketing materials and on our website!

Application Evaluation Criteria

Judges will assess each application based on the following:
  • Community Involvement: Your participation in and contributions to your community.
  • Leadership & Initiative: Your ability to take initiative, demonstrate leadership, and make a difference.
  • Well-Roundedness: Your involvement in activities and responsibilities beyond the classroom.
  • Effort & Quality: The care and thought you put into your application.
  • Academic Readiness: Your preparation for continuing your education.

Creative Submission Judging Criteria

Your essay, video, or poster will also be evaluated on:
  • Community Connection: How clearly you communicate your connection to your community.
  • Personal Impact: How your chosen place, event, or tradition has influenced you.
  • Creativity: The originality of your approach.
  • Emotional Impact: How effectively your story conveys meaning and feeling.
  • Clarity & Focus: How clearly and thoughtfully you communicate your message.
  • Presentation: The overall quality and presentation of your submission.

Mark Your Calendars!

  • Reminder that all application materials must be uploaded by midnight on February 1, 2027.

We look forward to learning about your accomplishments, your goals, and the community that means so much to you!

Questions About the Scholarship?



Scholarship Award & Administrative Guidelines

Scholarship funds will be paid only to the school’s business office. Funds are to be used in the 2026-2027 school year for tuition or books. Any funds not used for these purposes will be forfeited. In January of each year, BHCCU is required to file form 1099 with the IRS, which reports amounts paid to reduce student loans during the previous year. The student will be mailed a copy of Form 1099 and may be required to report on a tax return any scholarship winnings applied to student loans. We recommend that the student consult a tax advisor.

NOTE: All applications become the property of Blackhawk Community Credit Union and may be published. BHCCU has the right to amend any of the above rules to ensure fairness in the awarding of the scholarships.