MOSES LAKE — Numerica Credit Union is accepting applications for its 2026 scholarships.

“On Feb. 2, we opened up what is called our ‘$tarting Off Right Scholarships,’” said Financial Engagement Manager Jon Maroni. “We’re offering 16 scholarships (for) $1,250 apiece.”

The scholarships are open to high school seniors who will graduate this year, according to Numerica’s website.

The Numerica scholarship is need-based and differs from some other scholarships in that a student’s grades aren’t a factor, Maroni said.

“As long as the student has graduated, we won’t get their transcript of their academic records or their test scores or anything of that nature,” Maroni said. “Our core purpose is to enhance lives, fulfill dreams, and build communities, and we know that someone’s desire and ability to contribute to the community isn’t going to be always dictated by what’s on their transcript.”

Applicants can go to Numerica’s website, fill out an online application and take a short quiz, and submit two letters of recommendation from teachers or coaches.

“I would describe it as one of the easiest scholarship applications that anyone would ever do,” Maroni said.

Recipients must be members of the credit union, Maroni added, which is free and can be managed merely by opening an account before applying.

The scholarships aren’t solely for students going to four-year colleges or universities, Maroni said.

“We’ve had folks who are going off to study psychology, study nursing, but we’ve also had people who’ve gone to trade programs, and all of those are eligible. This is not exclusively for someone who’s going to college. I think one of our previous winners from the Wenatchee area was going to a welding school in Wyoming, and we were happy to support him in doing that.”

About 80-100 students apply every year, Maroni said. The applications are anonymized and then judged by a panel of about 15 Numerica employees. The makeup of the panel changes every year, Maroni said.

“It’s one of the cooler opportunities for a Numerica staff member, because it’s always fun to give away the credit union’s money,” he said.

Applications close Feb. 28, and the winners will be notified April 1, according to the website.

Students who are getting ready to graduate should apply for every scholarship they’re eligible for, Maroni said, even if they seem like a long shot.

“There’s that classic Wayne Gretzky quote that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” Maroni said. “You will not get 100% of the scholarships you don’t apply for. So don’t avoid applying for scholarships just because you assume you might not get one.”