Skip to main content

Student Scholarships

Essay Scholarship Competition

We believe that education is the foundation for a bright future. Our commitment to supporting the growth and success of our youth extends beyond banking—we’re proud to invest in the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow. Through our essay scholarship program, we aim to encourage learning, celebrate achievement, and help students take the next step toward their educational goals.

Entry Period

Entries must be received no later than Sunday, February 16, 2025.  Winners will be notified by phone in March.

Entrant Eligibility

High school entrants must:

  • Be a Gerber FCU member in good standing
  • Be a current high school senior
  • Plan to attend an accredited technical school, community college, trade school, four-year accredited college or university or an apprentice program

If you are not a member, it’s easy to join!  Call 924-4880 and press 2 to speak with Member Service.

Essay Requirements

  • Entries must include a cover sheet with your name, address, phone number and email address.
  • Entries must address the essay topic listed below.
  • Scholarship essay must be 300-500 words.
  • Content must be original. Previously published or awarded material will not be accepted. Plagiarism or copyright infringement will result in disqualification of the entry.

Completed entries may be emailed to marketing@gerberfcu.com, hand delivered to one of our branches or mailed to:

ATTN: Scholarship Committee
Gerber Federal Credit Union
PO Box 116
Fremont, MI 49412

Essay Tips

Be personal and be specific. Let the reader know who “you” are and what “you” stand for. Reference your experience as a Credit Union member.  Our scholarship selection committee is comprised of volunteers from local schools and the Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency. They may have hundreds of essays to review; it is your job to get their attention. Here are four tips to get you started:

  1. Think before you write.
  2. Brainstorm to generate some good ideas.
  3. Create an outline to help you get going.
  4. Address specific questions clearly.

Essay Topic

2026 Topic To Be Determined

Prizes

The Gerber Federal Credit Union Scholarship Committee will review essays submitted to determine the top three prize winners.

  • FIRST PLACE - $2,000 and publication on www.gerberfcu.com
  • SECOND PLACE - $1,500
  • THIRD PLACE - $1,000