You First Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by You First Foundation

Description Purpose and scope

The You First Foundation Scholarship supports students whose lives have been negatively affected by traumatic medical events, providing financial assistance to help them continue their education. The program awards scholarships annually to deserving applicants of all ages who demonstrate that a traumatic medical event has impacted their family or personal circumstances. Awards are intended to reduce barriers to postsecondary education and are paid directly to the recipient’s accredited educational institution. Applicants should verify current application details on the foundation’s official site before applying.

Key takeaways:

• Supports students affected by traumatic medical events.
• Open to applicants of all ages pursuing postsecondary education.
• Awards paid directly to the educational institution.
• Check the foundation website for the latest application details.

Eligibility Who may apply

Applicants must meet specific residency, educational, and academic standards to be considered. Eligible candidates are Texas residents who are high school graduates or GED recipients and who are enrolled in—or plan to enroll in—an accredited two‑ or four‑year college, university, or vocational school in the United States. Both part‑time and full‑time students may apply. Required documentation includes a minimum 2.7 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and, if applicable, college or vocational transcripts.

Key takeaways:

• Must be a resident of Texas.
• High school graduate or GED required.
• Enrollment (or intent to enroll) at an accredited U.S. institution.
• Minimum GPA 2.7 and two recommendation letters required.
• Provide transcripts if applicable.

Award

Value and

Distribution Amount and payment method

The foundation awards scholarships of up to $6,000 per recipient. Exact award amounts may vary among recipients depending on need and available funds; the foundation determines individual grant sizes during selection. Scholarship funds are disbursed directly to the accredited educational institution named by the recipient, not to the student personally. Recipients should coordinate with their school’s financial aid office to ensure correct application of funds.

Key takeaways:

• Awards up to $6,000 per recipient.
• Individual award amounts may vary.
• Funds are paid directly to the educational institution.
• Coordinate with the institution’s financial aid office for disbursement.

Application

Timeline When to apply and notifications

The scholarship is awarded on an annual cycle; specific application opening and deadline dates are published by the You First Foundation. Applicants should consult the foundation’s website or contact the foundation directly for current deadlines, submission instructions, and any changes to the process. After the application period closes, review and notification timelines can vary—allow several weeks for processing and decision notifications. Plan ahead to gather required documents and secure recommendation letters before the deadline.

Key takeaways:

• Scholarships are awarded annually; check the foundation site for dates.
• Deadlines and submission procedures may change—verify current info.
• Allow several weeks after closing for review and notifications.
• Start early to collect documents and recommendation letters.

Selection and

Review How recipients are chosen

Recipients are selected from among eligible applicants based on the foundation’s review process, which focuses on demonstrated impact from a traumatic medical event and the applicant’s ability to benefit from the award. The foundation reviews academic standing, submitted documentation, and letters of recommendation when evaluating candidates. The selection process aims to identify “deserving” students whose educational prospects have been affected by trauma, though specific weighting of factors is determined by the foundation’s reviewers. Final decisions and award amounts are at the discretion of the You First Foundation.

Key takeaways:

• Selection emphasizes demonstrated impact from a traumatic medical event.
• Review considers academic standing, documentation, and recommendations.
• Final award decisions and amounts are at the foundation’s discretion.
• Specific evaluation procedures and weightings are determined by reviewers.

History of the

Award Foundation origin and impact

The You First Foundation was established by employees of First Service Credit Union after the loss of a coworker to a brain aneurysm, with a mission to improve the lives and educational opportunities of those affected by traumatic medical events. Since launching the scholarship program, the foundation has awarded more than $361,000 in scholarships to deserving students and families. The program reflects the foundation’s continuing commitment to community support and educational access for those facing medical hardship. Ongoing fundraising and employee involvement sustain the foundation’s ability to award scholarships each year.

Key takeaways:

• Founded by First Service Credit Union employees after a coworker’s death.
• Mission: improve educational opportunities for those affected by traumatic medical events.
• Over $361,000 in scholarships awarded to date.
• Program sustained by ongoing fundraising and employee support.