You have dreams and goals. We’re committed to helping you achieve them!
At Gulf Winds we believe in the power of education. Our scholarship program is designed to support students who dream big, work hard, and strive to make a difference in their communities.
In 2026, we will be awarding three (3) scholarships to incoming higher education students, one (1) scholarship to a student enrolling for the first time at a trade school, and one (1) scholarship to a student currently enrolled in higher education courses in the medical field.
These five (5) scholarships, with varying award amounts of up to $10,000, will celebrate deserving students pursuing their unique passions.
The Scholarship Program application will open January 12, 2026.
Applicant must be a primary member of Gulf Winds Credit Union at time of application.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
- Applicant must be a current senior or a graduate of an accredited high school, or hold a GED, ready to begin as a first-year continuing education student.
- Applicant must have a minimum high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 based on a 4.0 grading system, or a "B" average. A copy of transcripts is required.
- Applicant must plan to be a full-time student.
- Applicant must be a Gulf Winds member in good standing, and be the primary account holder at time of application submission.
To remain eligible for scholarship renewal, recipients must submit a grade report at the end of each academic semester verifying good academic standing and completion of coursework. Recipients must also maintain full-time academic enrollment. Submission of these requirements will be initiated by the Credit Union.*
Employees of Gulf Winds Credit Union and members of their immediate family are not eligible to participate.
- Complete the digital application in its entirety.
- Submit a copy of most recent academic transcripts.
- Submit at least one (1) and not more than four (4) academic letters of recommendation from authorities at your school such as teachers, principal, or guidance counselor.
- Submit at least one (1) and not more than four (4) letters of recommendation from individuals, other than family members, who have known you for at least two (2) years.
- Provide an essay (750 words or less) answering one of the following prompts:
- How do you plan to use your education to address specific challenges in your community?
- If selected as a recipient of this scholarship, how will the award impact your college experience?
- Completed applications are due by midnight March 27, 2026.
After the submission deadline, applications are screened for completeness and forwarded to the Gulf Winds Foundation Scholarship Review Committee for evaluation and ranking. Applications are scored using a point system. The Committee rates applications based on academic achievement, essay strength, extracurricular and community experiences that demonstrate leadership, and financial need. Quality references are also considered.
No applicant will be excluded from participation or be denied the benefits of a Gulf Winds Foundation Scholarship on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, or disability. The recipient must meet all eligibility requirements. Applicants also agree to be interviewed and photographed for recognition and promotional purposes if they receive the scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
- Applicant must be a current senior or a graduate of an accredited high school, or hold a GED, ready to begin as a first-year continuing education student at a trade school.
- Applicant must have a minimum high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 based on a 4.0 grading system, or a "B" average. A copy of transcripts is required.
- Applicant must plan to be a full-time student.
- Applicant must be a Gulf Winds member in good standing, and be the primary account holder at time of application submission.
To remain eligible for scholarship renewal, recipients must submit a grade report at the end of each academic semester verifying good academic standing and completion of coursework. Recipients must also maintain full-time academic enrollment. Submission of these requirements will be initiated by the Credit Union.*
Employees of Gulf Winds Credit Union and members of their immediate family are not eligible to participate.
- Complete the digital application in its entirety.
- Submit a copy of most recent academic transcripts.
- Submit at least one (1) and not more than four (4) academic letters of recommendation from authorities at your school such as teachers, principal, or guidance counselor.
- Submit at least one (1) and not more than four (4) letters of recommendation from individuals, other than family members, who have known you for at least two (2) years.
- Provide an essay (750 words or less) answering one of the following prompts:
- How do you plan to use your education to address specific challenges in your community?
- If selected as a recipient of this scholarship, how will the award impact your college experience?
- Completed applications are due by midnight March 27, 2026.
After the submission deadline, applications are screened for completeness and forwarded to the Gulf Winds Foundation Scholarship Review Committee for evaluation and ranking. Applications are scored using a point system. The Committee rates applications based on academic achievement, essay strength, extracurricular and community experiences that demonstrate leadership, and financial need. Quality references are also considered.
No applicant will be excluded from participation or be denied the benefits of a Gulf Winds Foundation Scholarship on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, or disability. The recipient must meet all eligibility requirements. Applicants also agree to be interviewed and photographed for recognition and promotional purposes if they receive the scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
- Applicant must be a high school graduate.
- Applicant must have a minimum college grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 based on a 4.0 grading system, or a “B” average. A copy of transcripts for the currently enrolled institution is required.
- Applicant must have completed at least 12 credit hours pursuing a degree or certification in a health-related field. All degrees are eligible, including associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral.
- Applicant must have at least 12 credit hours remaining after the scholarship award date to attain their desired certificate or degree in a health-related field.
- Applicant must be enrolled in a health discipline related directly to patient care. Veterinary medicine, dentistry and administrative disciplines (like public health) do not qualify.
- Applicant must be a Gulf Winds member in good standing, and be the primary account holder at time of application submission.
To remain eligible for scholarship renewal, recipients must submit a grade report at the end of each academic semester verifying good academic standing and completion of coursework. Recipients must also maintain full-time academic enrollment. Submission of these requirements will be initiated by the Credit Union.*
Employees of Gulf Winds Credit Union and members of their immediate family are not eligible to participate.
- Complete the digital application in its entirety.
- Submit a copy of most recent academic transcripts.
- Submit at least one (1) and not more than four (4) academic letters of recommendation from authorities at your school such as teachers, principal, or guidance counselor.
- Submit at least one (1) and not more than four (4) letters of recommendation from individuals, other than family members, who have known you for at least two (2) years.
- Provide an essay (750 words or less) answering one of the following prompts:
- How do you plan to use your education to address specific challenges in your community?
- If selected as a recipient of this scholarship, how will the award impact your college experience?
- Completed applications are due by midnight March 27, 2026.
After the submission deadline, applications are screened for completeness and forwarded to the Gulf Winds Foundation Scholarship Review Committee for evaluation and ranking. Applications are scored using a point system. The Committee rates applications based on academic achievement, essay strength, extracurricular and community experiences that demonstrate leadership, and financial need. Quality references are also considered.
No applicant will be excluded from participation or be denied the benefits of a Gulf Winds Foundation Scholarship on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, or disability. The recipient must meet all eligibility requirements. Applicants also agree to be interviewed and photographed for recognition and promotional purposes if they receive the scholarship.
Secure your eligibility—become a member today!
Please direct all scholarship program questions to [email protected].
*If you are under the age of 18, please use the button below to open your account.
*Each scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1,250 per semester, made payable to the school of choice as designated by the recipient and marked "for tuition purposes only." Each scholarship is renewable for up to four (4) to eight (8) consecutive fall/spring semesters, with actual duration based on the awarded scholarship and specific program requirements. Scholarships are not transferable without prior approval of the Gulf Winds Foundation. Any gap in active enrollment will result in non-eligibility for funding.