Author: Karen Padrevita, V.P. of Administration
May is a great time to start thinking about scholarships — whether you’re a high school senior heading to college in the fall, or you’re already on your educational journey and looking for ways to reduce costs. The good news: there’s a lot of money out there for students. The challenge is knowing where to look, how to apply, and how to make sure you don’t fall for a scam along the way.
This guide will walk you through the basics — and stick around to the end, because Metrum Community Credit Union has two $1,000 scholarships available for 2026, and we’d love to help one of our members win!
Where to Find Scholarships
Scholarships come from all kinds of sources — you just have to know where to look. Here are some of the best places to start:
- Your school’s guidance or financial aid office. This is often the most underused resource. School counselors maintain lists of local and regional scholarships that aren’t widely advertised.
- Scholarship search engines. Sites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and the College Board’s Scholarship Search let you filter opportunities based on your profile, interests, and field of study.
- Community organizations. Rotary clubs, local foundations, churches, and civic groups often offer scholarships for students in their communities.
- Your employer — or your parents’ employer. Many companies offer scholarships to employees and their dependents. It’s worth a quick check with HR.
- Your credit union. Credit unions like Metrum CU regularly offer scholarships to their members as part of giving back to the community. (More on ours below!)
How to Build a Strong Application
Applying for scholarships can feel overwhelming, but breaking the process into steps makes it manageable:
- Read the requirements carefully. Every scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Before investing time in an application, confirm you actually qualify.
- Gather your materials early. Most applications ask for transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay. Reach out to references well in advance — they need time too.
- Tailor your essay to the scholarship. Generic essays are easy to spot. Take time to understand what the scholarship is about and let that shape what you write.
- Proofread everything. Spelling errors and sloppy formatting can hurt an otherwise great application. Ask a teacher, parent, or trusted friend to review before you submit.
- Apply to multiple scholarships. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Even smaller awards add up, and the practice of applying improves your skills each time.
Watch Out for Scholarship Scams
Unfortunately, not every “scholarship” opportunity is the real deal. Here are red flags to watch for:
- You have to pay to apply. Legitimate scholarships are free to apply for. Any “processing fee” or “application fee” is a scam.
- You’re guaranteed to win. No real scholarship can guarantee an award. If someone tells you that you’ve already been “selected,” be very skeptical.
- They ask for your bank information. Scholarship funds are paid to educational institutions — not directly into your personal bank account. Never share financial account details.
- There’s no clear sponsoring organization. A legitimate scholarship will have a verifiable organization behind it. If you can’t find information about the sponsor, dig deeper before applying.
- The deadline pressure feels off. Scammers use urgency to rush you. Take your time, do your research, and trust your gut.
Metrum CU’s 2026 Scholarships — Apply Now!
Here’s some exciting news: Metrum Community Credit Union is offering two $1,000 scholarships for 2026, and applications are open now. Here’s everything you need to know.
#1: John Barton Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship honors John Barton, a dedicated credit union volunteer who gave his time to both the Norgren Employees Federal Credit Union and Metrum Community Credit Union since at least 2004. John grew up in the Littleton/Centennial community and graduated from Arapahoe High School. This $1,000 award is given in his memory to a 2026 high school graduate who is continuing their education.
#2: Metrum Community CU Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is open to post-high school students, those pursuing continuing education, or current college students. Whether you’re working toward a degree, a certification, or a vocational credential, this one’s for you.
Scholarship Details
- Award amount: $1,000 per scholarship
- Funds are paid directly to your educational institution and can be used for tuition, room & board, books, and other educational expenses.
- Application deadline: July 31, 2026
- Recipients will be notified by August 31, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a primary Metrum member. You must have an account in your own name, opened by June 30, 2026. (Not a member yet? Now is a great time to open your account!)
- Be entering or attending a qualifying program in fall 2026. This includes vocational, technical, community college, or 4-year university programs.
- Not be a past MCCU scholarship recipient.
- Not be an immediate family member of Metrum staff or board/supervisory committee members.
The Essay
All applicants must submit an essay on the designated topic. Essays should be 300–500 words, double-spaced, in 12–14 point font. Do not include your name on the essay itself — applications are reviewed independently to keep the process fair.
Ready to Apply?
The application deadline is July 31, 2026, but don’t wait — the sooner you start, the more time you have to put together a strong submission. And remember you must be a primary Metrum member with an account opened by June 30, 2026 to be eligible.
If you’re not yet a Metrum member, now is the perfect month to open your account. We’d love to have you join our community — and we’d love even more to help fund your future.
Questions? Reach out to us at any branch or visit our scholarship page to learn more.