2026 Scholarship Application

2026 Scholarship Application
Eligibility
To be considered for the Maple Federal Credit Union Scholarship, the applicant must:
• Be a member of Maple Federal Credit Union
• Be graduating from high school in the spring of 2026, or currently enrolled in undergraduate studies at an accredited college, university, or technical school or with plans to attend an accredited college, university or technical school full-time in the fall of 2026.
• Have maintained a 3.0 GPA based on 6 high school semesters or 1 most recent, completed college semester
• Have scored a 21 or higher on the ACT exam
• Complete an application and personal essay
• Immediate family members of current Maple Federal Credit Union employees and volunteers ARE NOT eligible for the scholarship.

Application Package
All applicants must submit an application package which includes:
• A completed application
• A current high school transcript or college transcript
• A copy of his/her official ACT
• A personal essay
• A color photo of the applicant
• Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a teacher from his/her junior or senior year (only applies to high school seniors), or current college professor or advisor

Application Deadline
Completed application packets must be received no later than January 31, 2026 to:

Attn Scholarship Coordinator:
Main Branch
105 Toledo Drive
Lafayette, LA 70506

Morton Weeks Branch (By Mail)
PO Box 456
Lydia, LA 70569

Morton Weeks Branch (Hand-Delivered)
4017 Darnall Road
New Iberia, LA 70560

Incomplete or late application packages will not be considered.

Selection
All qualified applications will be forwarded to the Maple FCU scholarship committee.

Award
Maple will award one $5,000 scholarship to the Outstanding Scholar as chosen by the scholarship committee, plus two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to the remaining applicants by random draw. The recipients can use the scholarship for any school-related expenses. Scholarship funds will be awarded in full when proof of registration for the Fall semester has been provided to the Scholarship Coordinator.

Notification
Maple Scholarship: Winner of the scholarship will be announced at the Annual Meeting.

Essay Requirement
Please attach an essay on one of the following topics:
- Student loan borrowing is a hot topic across America. The system needs retooling. What are your thoughts on student loans and how would you fix what many deem a broken system?
- What does financial security look like to you and if it is different than your past/current situation, give us insight on how future financial security looks in comparison to your past or current situation.
- What is your position on volunteerism and serving outside of normal work or school hours. Give an example of your experience to support your position on the topic.
Essay Requirement
Please attach an essay on either of the following topics:
- Student loan borrowing is a hot topic across America. The system needs retooling. What are your thoughts on student loans and how would you fix what many deem a broken system?
- What does financial security look like to you and if it is different than your past/current situation, give us insight on how future financial security looks in comparison to your past or current situation.
- What is your position on volunteerism and serving outside of normal work or school hours. Give an example of your experience to support your position on the topic.
Personal Data
Name*

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Age*
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Date
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email*
example@example.com
Member Number (Student must have their own)
Names of Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s)
Mother: Name
Occupation
Father: Name
Occupation
Name of School (Only Applies to High School Seniors)
College/University/Vo-Tech School You Plan to or Currently Attend
Anticipated or Current Field of Study
Major/Field
References

Attach two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a teacher from his/her junior or senior year (only applies to high school seniors), or current college professor or advisor.
Essay Requirement
Please attach an essay on either of the following topics:
• Share a time when you had to work with someone with a different perspective or background, and how you
navigated those differences.
• Explain how the economic fluctuations during your lifetime have impacted you or your family.
The essay must be typed in MLA format, 750 words minimum.

References
Attach two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a teacher from his/her junior or senior year
(only applies to high school seniors), or current college professor or advisor.
Name

First NameLast Name
Position
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Name

First NameLast Name
Position
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
How would you prefer to submit your documents?*

DigitallyBy delivery in a sealed envelope
How would you prefer to submit your documents?*

Digitally AND/ORBy delivery in a sealed envelope
Community Involvement and Extracurricular Activities
Please list school activities, including academic and athletic club memberships, and community service including social, church and volunteer experience. (You may attach an additional sheet(s) if you need more space.)

	Organization	Work/Activity
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Honors and Academic Awards
Honor Society
National Achievements
Scholarship Awards
Other (describe)
Attach your essay*

(e.g. .pdf, .docx, .jpg)
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A current high school transcript or college transcriptRecommendation letters

Require: PDF file format
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A copy of official ACT

Require: PDF file format
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A color photo of the applicant

Require: PDF file format
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Recommendation letters

Require: PDF file format
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Additional honors/academic awards (optional)

Cancelof
Additional extracurricular involvement (optional)

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I have not attached the following, but will mail or drop off to the location noted below prior to the due date.*

A current high school transcript or college transcriptA copy of official ACTA color photo of the applicantRecommendation letter(s)Honors/academic awardsExtracurricular involvement
I certify that the information in this application and all accompanying documents are true and correct. I also certify that I personally answered all questions and wrote the essay relating to this scholarship application. I understand that if for any reason I discontinue my studies I must notify Maple FCU within 10 days. I agree that Maple Federal Credit Union may use my name and possible photograph for publicity purpose.
Signature*

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
The completed application, including the essay and letters of recommendation must be received at one of the addresses below no later than January 31, 2026.

Attn Scholarship Coordinator:
Main Branch
105 Toledo Drive
Lafayette, LA 70506

Morton Weeks Branch (By Mail)
PO Box 456
Lydia, LA 70569

Morton Weeks Branch (Hand-Delivered)
4017 Darnall Road
New Iberia, LA 70560
INCOMPLETE OR LATE APPLICATION PACKAGES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
Should be Empty: