COPFCU Scholarship Program

COPFCU Scholarship Program

Your next chapter could start with a scholarship.

COPFCU is awarding five scholarships totaling $15,500 to help members pursue undergraduate degrees and trade/vocational education.

Apply by January 27, 2027, at 5 p.m. EST.

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Your Future Is Worth Investing In.

$15,500 in Scholarships

Supporting members’ education and future goals.

Five Scholarship Awards

Individual awards range from $1,500 to $4,000.

Apply by January 27, 2027

Submit all required materials by 5 p.m. EST.

Supporting Your Next Chapter

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be a COPFCU member in good standing, with primary membership in their own name and Social Security number.
  • Be a high school senior or current student who will attend an undergraduate degree program or trade/vocational school full-time during August 2027–June 2028.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Good to know: Graduate and advanced degree programs, including master’s and doctoral programs, are not eligible.

Your Application Checklist

What You’ll Need

Submit these items by January 27, 2027, at 5 p.m. EST.

Completed scholarship application
Responses to the required essay questions
Latest transcript showing your name, school and cumulative GPA
Proof of acceptance or enrollment for August 2027–June 2028

Review the application for complete requirements.

Five Scholarships. More Possibilities.

Explore the awards available for the 2027–2028 school year.

Irvin Specht Memorial Scholarship $4,000
Emily Argo Memorial Scholarship $4,000
COPFCU Bright Futures Scholarship $4,000
First Runner-Up Scholarship $2,000
Second Runner-Up Scholarship $1,500

All scholarships are one-time awards, with funds disbursed in August.

The Stories Behind Our Scholarships.

Honoring two legacies that continue to support our members’ futures.

Irvin Specht Memorial Scholarship

Established in 1989, this scholarship honors “Uncle Irv,” who served as volunteer Treasurer in 1954 and later became Manager of the credit union.

After retiring, he served on the Board of Directors from 1981 to 1994 and was named Director Emeritus. He is remembered for his willingness to help people in need.

Emily Argo Memorial Scholarship

Emily Argo was a 1995 recipient of the Irvin Specht Scholarship and valedictorian of her Taylor High School class. She graduated from Ohio Northern University with a degree in Biology and Environmental Science.

Emily pursued her passion for studying marine animals. In January 2003, she tragically lost her life in a plane crash during a flight to track North Atlantic right whales. This scholarship honors her legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

A few things to know before applying for a scholarship.

Can graduate or advanced degree students apply?

No. The 2027–2028 scholarship program is limited to members pursuing undergraduate degrees or attending trade/vocational schools. Master’s, doctoral and other graduate or advanced degree programs are not eligible.

When will scholarship recipients be notified?

Recipients will be notified by April 2. Only scholarship recipients receive a notification. If you have not heard by April 1, watch for our announcement of this year’s recipients.

When and how will scholarship funds be paid?

Scholarship funds will be deposited into recipients’ COPFCU Savings accounts in early August for use during the school term.

Are scholarships one-time awards or renewable?

Scholarships are one-time awards and do not automatically renew. The full award amount is deposited into the recipient’s account in early August.

Can I apply for a COPFCU scholarship each year?

Yes! You may apply each year as long as you meet the scholarship eligibility requirements.