General Information

OAS FCU provides access to a unique scholarship opportunity for members enrolled in higher education programs. There are two award categories, essay entry and video entry. The Foundation awards ten (10) $2,000 scholarships for the essay competition, and two (2) for the video competition.

How to enter the competition

Here is the CUF MDDC announcement with a link to the entry page.

To participate in the competition for a chance to win one or even two scholarships, you must present:

• An essay on this year's topic, and/or
• A 60-second video on this year's competition topic.

You must do this by the stated deadline to qualify.

This means yes! You may compete both in the essay and the video competition for a chance to participate and win twice in this scholarship opportunity.

The essay and video topic to participate

2026 Essay topic: "Credit unions play a significant role in promoting financial wellness among their members. How do you believe credit unions contribute to the financial health and stability of individuals and communities? Discuss specific benefits and provide examples or personal experiences to illustrate their impact."

2026 Video topic: Create a 60 second video depicting how credit unions contribute to the financial health and stability of individuals and communities.

Competition rules

• Your essay entry must be in English. It must also be 750 words or less.
• Your video entry must be 60 seconds or less in length.
• You must not include your name nor the name of your credit union in your entry, be it essay or video.
• Your entry/entries must be original, written and created by you. Non-original and copied work (including AI-generated) will be disqualified from the competition.
• The scholarship entry period will run until 11:59 p.m. on April 15, 2026, East Coast Time. You must submit your entry/entries before that time.
• You must be a member of a Maryland or D.C.-based credit union, or member of a credit union affiliated with the MD|DC Credit Union Association.
• You must be enrolled in a US-based higher-education institution for a college diploma, or in a trade school. You will need to present proof of acceptance-enrollment.

The Credit Union Foundation MD-DC will announce the winners of the competition in June of 2026.

Questions?

Considering the uniqueness of OAS FCU's membership, we have put together a handy FAQ list to help.

Do you have to be a US citizen or resident to qualify?

Citizenship or residency are not a qualifying criterion. You simply must be a member of OAS FCU (or another qualifying credit union as listed above) and enrolled to study this fall as explained above.

I am enrolled in a master's program. Do I qualify?

Alas, this program is for undergraduate and trade school students only.

Do non-taxpayers qualify for the scholarship?

Yes, if they are members.

Will winners have to pay taxes on the scholarship?

Currently in the United States, scholarships are not taxable income as explained by the IRS here; this applies to citizens and residents. If you are a foreign student, there may be tax implications in your country. Please speak with a tax expert in your country.

I am a joint owner at OAS FCU. Will I qualify to win?

Yes, you qualify to enter the scholarship competition.

I am a member of the Credit Union, but my kid is not. Do they qualify?

They must be a member of OAS FCU or another CUF MDDC affiliated credit union to qualify. If your child is a minor, they must have an account at the Credit Union before the end of the competition; they qualify to have an account where you are their guardian. If they are over 18 years of age, they can open an account by themselves.

How will the scholarship be disbursed?

The Credit Union Foundation MD-DC will issue a cashier's check payable to both you and the academic institution where you will study.

My university/trade school has offered me grants/subsidies. Will winning this scholarship affect that funding?

That depends on your school. Some universities and trade schools have a policy regarding scholarship displacement. Scholarship displacement means that a school may opt to reduce the amount you receive in grants/subsidies when you receive an external scholarship. The policy changes from school to school.

If you win a CUF MDDC scholarship and your school has a policy of scholarship displacement, let the Foundation know. They will work with students so that they receive the award.

How will the winners be announced?

The Credit Union Foundation MD-DC will inform us at OAS FCU, and we will contact the winner. If any OAS FCU members win a scholarship, we may announce it on a press release and/or social media. We would only use the winner's initial and last name, with a photo of them receiving the award, if possible.

Will I have to receive my award in person?

That depends on the circumstances, and it is something that we will discuss with every winner when the time comes. CUF MDDC may ask for a photo opportunity.

If you receive one or more scholarships, we will ask you to allow us to make a public announcement and use any photo that you provide to the Foundation.

Who are the judges in the competition?

The jury is comprised of employees and volunteers of credit unions and the Foundation itself who will have no access to the identity of the applicants in the competition.