Gesa Credit Union is now accepting applications for its scholarship program, which runs through the end of February. According to Brandon Allison, Gesa’s Vice President of Community Impact, the credit union plans to award a total of $150,000 to students at different stages in their academic journeys this year.
“This is part of our ongoing commitment to improving our members’ lives and supporting the communities we serve,” Allison said. “We’ve been offering scholarships since 1987, and in that time we’ve been able to give back more than $1.2 million.”
This year, Gesa will dedicate $34,000 to 14 high school seniors who are entering college for the first time. “We’ll award two $5,000 President’s Choice scholarships and twelve scholarships of $2,000 each,” Allison explained.
But the program doesn’t stop with high school seniors. Allison noted that Gesa also supports students who are already in college—whether they’re pursuing an undergraduate degree, working toward a graduate degree, or returning to school after time away. A total of $26,000 is reserved for this group. “They just need to be enrolled full-time at an accredited college, university, or trade school for the upcoming school year,” he said.
Another category covers students involved in Gesa’s High School Credit Union program. Through this partnership, schools work with Gesa to run a fully student-operated credit union on campus. Students gain hands-on experience and class credit at once. Gesa has set aside $80,000 for these participants, and those scholarships are guaranteed.
The final category is aimed at members carrying student loan debt. “Any member with an active student loan can apply,” Allison said. “We’ll award five $2,000 scholarships that will go directly toward paying down the loan principal.”
All scholarships are available only to Gesa members, but becoming one is simple—just open a savings or checking account at any branch.
Gesa Credit Union, headquartered in Richland, has 45 branches across Washington, including one in Moses Lake.
“What I enjoy most about this process,” Allison added, “is hearing the inspiring stories from applicants who are pushing hard to reach their goals and just need some financial help to keep going.”
Applications are open until Feb. 28, 2026.
To learn more or apply, visit https://www.gesa.com/category/scholarships
.