RICHLAND — Gesa Credit Union is accepting applications for its scholarship program through the end of February, according to Gesa Vice President of Community Impact Brandon Allison. The credit union plans to award $150,000 to students at various stages in their education. 

“This is part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing our members’ lives within the communities we serve,” Allison said. “We have been offering some sort of scholarship component and programs since 1987, which has really allowed us to afford over $1.2 million back to our members.” 

The credit union will award $34,000 to 14 high school seniors who are entering college for the first time, according to a statement from Gesa.  

“We will have two $5,000 President’s Choice and 12 $2,000 scholarships,” Allison said. 

Many scholarship programs concentrate on those seniors starting their college careers, Allison said, but Gesa supports three other categories of students as well. Students who have already been in college, whether they’re undergraduates, going to grad school or even have had to take a break from education for a while will see $26,000 in scholarships. 

“They just need to be enrolled in an accredited college, university or trade school as a full-time student for the upcoming school year,” Allison said. 

The third category is for students who have participated in Gesa’s High School Credit Union program. That program, Allison explained, allows a high school to partner with Gesa to set up a completely student-run credit union inside the high school. The students get real-world experience and credit at the same time, Allison said. Gesa has set aside $80,000 for those students who participate in that program and are guaranteed the scholarships. 

The fourth category is for the growing demographic of students who have taken on a load of student debt and can use a little help getting out from under it. 

“Any member who has an active student loan can submit a scholarship application and we will award five $2,000 scholarships to those members to make a direct principal-only payment to their student loan,” Allison said. 

The scholarships are limited to members of Gesa Credit Union, but membership is as simple as opening a savings or checking account at any branch, Allison said. 

Gesa Credit Union, based in Richland, has 45 locations in Washington, including a branch in Moses Lake, according to its website. 

“I think my favorite part of this process is, every year we hear inspiring stories from applicants who are working hard to reach their goals, and they just need these funds to continue that education and achieve their ultimate career goal,” Allison said. 

Applications will be accepted through Feb. 28, 2026. For more information or to apply, visit https://www.gesa.com/category/scholarships.