California Credit Union Awards $500K in 2026 Scholarships

California students have until the end of January to apply for life-changing scholarships that could cover four years of college tuition. Golden 1 Credit Union just opened applications for its 2026 scholarship program, offering up to $5,000 per year in renewable awards.

The credit union will distribute approximately $500,000 in scholarships this year to members who excel in academics, community service, and extracurricular activities. Each scholarship can be renewed for up to four years, bringing the potential total to $20,000 per student.

High school seniors, graduates, and current college students through junior year can apply if they're Golden 1 members with at least a 3.0 GPA. Applicants must also complete 24 hours of community service or work experience in the past year and plan to attend accredited nonprofit colleges or universities in California full-time.

Golden 1 sweetens the deal by depositing an extra $100 into each recipient's savings account. It's a small gesture that shows they're thinking beyond tuition costs.

The program has already changed hundreds of lives since launching in 2013. Nearly 600 California students have received close to $5 million in scholarship support, pursuing careers in nursing, engineering, business, and the arts.

Last year alone, more than 40 students across the state received scholarships to chase their dreams. The program keeps growing because Golden 1 sees it as an investment in the communities they serve.

The Ripple Effect

When students receive financial support for education, entire communities benefit. These scholarship recipients will become the nurses treating patients, the engineers solving problems, and the business leaders creating jobs in California.

Golden 1's commitment goes beyond writing checks. They offer virtual office hours every Monday from 3 to 5 p.m. through January 26 to help students navigate the application process.

Erica Taylor, Senior Vice President of Community Impact, says the program invests directly in helping members reach their full potential while strengthening communities. It's about creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

Applications close January 31, 2026, and recipients will be announced in June. Students can find the application and more details at golden1.com/our-community/scholarships.

Half a million dollars in opportunity is waiting for California students willing to dream big.