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Arbor Financial to Award $20,000 in Scholarships!

We are awarding ten $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors this spring as part of Arbor Financial's 28th annual scholarship program.

 Applications are now OPEN for the 2027 Arbor Financial Scholarship program!

This year's question is: "Tell us about a time when you helped someone grow, learn, or succeed. What lessons did you learn, and how will that help you in your next steps?"

Scholarship Program

We're proud to support the ambitions of our youth to improve their lives through higher education by awarding a total of $632,000 in scholarships as of 2026. Applications are now open for the 2027 Arbor Financial Scholarship Program. 

Who is Eligible:

  • Graduating high school or homeschool seniors. If you are an early college student, please wait to apply until your last year of the program.
  • Current member in good standing at Arbor Financial. Not a member yet? Join Today!
  • Applicants must be accepted into an accredited post-secondary school, which includes trade schools. 
  • Applications close on January 19, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. 
Group of high school students in school hallway.
Arbor customer using laptop.

How to Apply:

  • Your submitted scholarship essay will be anonymously judged on the strength of the essay. This year's essay topic is: 
    Tell us about a time when you helped someone grow, learn, or succeed. What lessons did you learn, and how will that help you in your next steps?
  • The essay must be between 500 and 750 words, typed and double-spaced.
  • The top right corner of each page of the essay contains your initials of first, middle, and last name. To keep judging anonymous, please do NOT include your name anywhere in your essay. 
  • The essay has a title.
  • Submit your application and upload your essay as a PDF only.
  • Essay File name should be the name of your essay and your initials.
  • The essay topic changes yearly. Please note the 2027 essay question above.
  • The student applying must be a primary member at Arbor by the time applications close. Join today! 

The deadline for the 2027 scholarship is January 19, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. 

Awards:

  • We will be awarding 10 high school seniors with $2,000 scholarships.
  • Winners of the 2027 Arbor Financial Scholarship will be contacted in April 2027.
  • Checks will be made payable to both the winner and the educational institution and will be given to the winner in May 2027. Scholarships must be used in the 2027 fall semester.
  • Winners will be asked to submit a photo for use on our website and/or social media outlets.
  • Select essays from our winners may be published on our website and/or social media outlets.
Student looking at phone, holding coffee and volt card
College student holding Volt Visa Card

An Account Designed with Students in Mind

Graduation is a special time for seniors, as you say goodbye to high school and hello to independence. Whether you're headed to college or straight to the workforce,  Arbor Financial's Volt Banking will help you take charge of your money with special perks designed especially for young adults like you.

We've significantly reduced or eliminated a variety of fees; you will earn 3.00% APY on savings up to $1,000,1 and we offer a special credit card with a parent cosigner2 to help you build good credit so you are ready to apply for your first apartment. And when you want to buy your first car, we will be here to help with our first-time auto buyer program. Plus, you can get paid up to 5 days early with early pay,3 and once you graduate from Volt, you'll automatically get a Momentum account, where you'll earn 7.00% APY just for using your card.4

 

Official family members, employees of Arbor Financial Credit Union and their immediate families are not eligible to participate in the scholarship program. Must be a member to qualify.

1. Annual Percentage Yield (APY). The rate of 3.00% APY applies to balances up to $1,000 on Volt Banking Savings accounts. Balances above $1,000 will receive the regular savings rate. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice. Account approval may be based on factors such as a qualified parent, child’s age, and verification of income.

2. Rates are variable. Qualification is based on an assessment of individual creditworthiness and our underwriting standard. All Credit Union loan programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Not all applicants will qualify. A parent is required to cosign for anyone under 18.. See full disclosure.

3. Direct deposits and other Automated Clearing House (ACH) credits may post to your account up to five days early with the Early Pay service. The Early Pay service is dependent upon when the deposits are originated from the sender and received by the Credit Union, and we cannot guarantee deposits will post prior to their anticipated settlement date. The Credit Union is not responsible for delays in posting due to unforeseen circumstances. The Credit Union, in its sole discretion, may determine whether certain deposit payments, deposit types, or member accounts are excluded from the service. The terms and conditions for Early Pay are subject to change, at any time, without advance notice. Not applicable to business, loan, or mortgage accounts.

4. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as of 11/1/2026. Debit card purchases must post to your account during the calendar month. ATM transactions do not apply. Interest is not paid on balances over $15,000. One Momentum Checking account per member. Rate is variable and subject to change. If requirements are not met, you simply do not receive interest for the month.