2025 Scholarship Program
Apply by June 22, 2025
The Center for Financial Empowerment (CFE), a nonprofit founded by RIZE Credit Union, proudly awards college scholarships to underserved young adults who demonstrate determination, community involvement and a passion for building a better future. Thanks to the generosity of RIZE Credit Union team members – who support the program through voluntary payroll donations – these scholarships help students from modest-income families pursue higher education, learn a trade, or launch a career. It’s a true team effort to empower the next generation!
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The CFE will award ten $2,000 scholarships. Applications will be accepted between May 27 and June 22, 2025. Awards will be announced in July 2025 for school year 2025-2026.
The program is open to qualifying students that meet the applicant eligibility requirements as follows:
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
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Demonstrates strong community involvement and leadership qualities.
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Accepted to an accredited college, university, or trade school for Fall 2025.
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Minimum GPA of 2.0 on most recent transcripts.
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Must reside in the CFE’s service area of Southern California or Southern Nevada.
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Applicants must be between 17 and 26 years old.
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Membership with RIZE Credit Union is encouraged but not required to be eligible for the scholarship.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION CHECKLIST – The following items must be submitted by June 22, 2025
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Online application form
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1-3 minute Video Essay – Share how this scholarship will support your educational journey and goals!
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One academic letter of recommendation (Example: teacher, professor, counselor) OR one volunteer letter of recommendation (Example: community leader, nonprofit director, volunteer supervisor).
* Letters should be personal and highlight the applicant’s contributions to their school or community.
4. Official transcripts reflecting GPA from most recent semester.
5. Proof of acceptance or enrollment to an accredited college, university, or trade school for Fall 2025.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Center for Financial Empowerment (CFE) will appoint a selection committee to review all scholarship applications using the following criteria:
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Academic performance and stated goals for pursuing a trade or career, as presented in the video essay
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Demonstrated commitment to volunteerism and community involvement
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Strength of the overall application, including the applicant’s ability to demonstrate perseverance, personal growth, and a clear vision for using education to achieve long-term goals and financial independence.
Scholarship recipients will be selected by the Center for Financial Empowerment, and all decisions are final.
DISCLAIMERS
All scholarship awards are one-time and are intended for use during the Fall 2025 term.​
The scholarship will be awarded for the Fall semester/quarter of the current year, and it will be issued upon receipt of verification of student enrollment. Verification of student enrollment is due no later than November 30, 2025. The Center may contact scholarship recipients if additional information is needed.
The Center for Financial Empowerment reserves the right to modify or discontinue the scholarship program at any time, without notice. It is not responsible for lost applications, enrollment verifications, or materials delayed or misplaced through the mail or other delivery services. All submitted materials become the property of the CFE and will not be returned; however, all information will remain confidential. Please note that immediate family members or relatives of RIZE Credit Union employees or board members, as well as those of Center for Financial Empowerment board members, are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Forfeiture of awards: Scholarship awards will be forfeited upon failure to complete the required information, failure to submit verification of enrollment, or failure to provide timely verification. As a general rule, the CFE does not hold or delay awards from one academic term to another.
If not already a RIZE CU member, scholarship applicants interested in joining RIZE Credit Union will have the opportunity to open an account and receive a $100 incentive based on eligible membership criteria.