In keeping with the Credit Union philosophy of "people helping people”, CFCU offers the Richard V.V. Stringham College Scholarships to assist our members with the many expenses of a college education.

When are applications available?

  • Applications are available in late December (see “How do I Apply?” for more info).

What is the deadline for applying?

  • Application materials must be received by March 1st.

What is the amount of the award?

  • $1,000 for one year at either a two- or four- year accredited college or university.

Who's eligible to apply?

  • Applicants must be preparing to begin full-time study at a 2-year or 4-year college. High school seniors and nontraditional students planning to enter college for the first time are encouraged to apply.
  • Applicants must be members of CFCU. Membership information is available by calling or visiting any of our offices. Credit Union employees, board members, committee volunteers and their immediate families are ineligible.

What are the criteria?

  • The scholarship award will be based on: academic achievement, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, financial need, and the full completion of the CFCU scholarship application, including essay composition.

What are the award procedures?

  • Scholarships are awarded for one academic year. Disbursements of the scholarship money are made in two equal payments of $500 in August and January, paid directly to the recipient's college or university.
  • The scholarship recipient must meet the following criteria:
    A. Be enrolled as a full-time student each academic term (i.e., semester, trimester or quarter), according to the full-time status defined by the educational institution.
    B. Receive at least a “C” average and be in good academic standing after the first term.
    C. Remit an official grade report to the CFCU Scholarship Committee after completion of the first term.
  • Scholarship recipients who fail to meet the above criteria risk forfeiture of any unpaid portion of their award.

How do I apply?

  • To apply, you must complete a CFCU scholarship application. Applications can be obtained by:
    1. Writing to: Scholarship Committee, CFCU, 1030 Craft Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850
    2. Calling CFCU’s Scholarship Committee representative at 607-257-8500
    3. Requesting an application at any of our eight offices: Craft Road, East Hill Branch, The Cornell Store Branch, Triphammer Branch (Sheraton Drive), Ithaca College Branch, Meadow Street Branch or in Cortland at the Port Watson Street Branch or Rte. 281 Branch (Tops Plaza); or
    4. Visit our website (www.mycfcu.com)
  • Send the completed application to: CFCU Scholarship Committee,1030 Craft Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850

When are the scholarship recipients chosen?

  • Scholarship award decisions will be made by June 1st. Applicants will be notified of their status by mail shortly thereafter.