Aspire Higher Scholarship Program
Aspire Higher Scholarship Program
A college education has the power to transform a life, and it should be within reach for every motivated, deserving student in our community. The Aspire Higher Scholarship Program awards financial support to students who have the drive and the dream but need a helping hand to make it happen. From the Ben DeFelice Scholarship to the Horizon and CIRA awards, our scholarships are more than financial assistance — they are a community saying, “We believe in you, and we’re investing in your future.”
Receiving this scholarship has made a meaningful difference in my college experience. It relieved financial stress for myself and my parents and has allowed me to focus fully on my academics, creative work, and community involvement. Despite some health struggles in the fall, with this support, I completed my first semester with a 4.0 GPA, which strengthened my confidence and motivation.
Perez2024 Scholarship Recipient
Scholarship Programs
Ben DeFelice Scholarship Program
The Ben DeFelice Scholarship pays tribute to Mr. DeFelice, NWFCU’s longest running Chairman of the Board (31 years) and nine-year veteran of the Board of NWFCU’s subsidiary, Northwest Financial Advisors. Mr. DeFelice exemplified leadership and commitment in school, at home, and in the community.
The number of applications that can be accepted for the Ben DeFelice Program is capped at 250 due to cost and application review resources. Please submit your application as soon as possible to ensure that your application can be accepted for review in the event we reach application capacity. Once 250 applications are received you will no longer be able to submit an application.
Horizon Scholarship Program
The Horizon Scholarship Program is a high school and undergraduate scholarship opportunity for applicants who clearly demonstrate financial need and articulate a strong example of overcoming adversity through their application.
This scholarship is open to individuals who are currently enrolled (graduating Spring 2027) or have graduated within the last year from one of the listed high schools close to a NWFCU branch or be a program participant in one of the Foundation’s partner nonprofits. Click here for a list of eligible schools.
The number of applications that can be accepted for the Horizon Scholarship Program is capped at 125 due to cost and application review resources. Please submit your application as soon as possible to ensure that your application can be accepted for review in the event we reach application capacity. Once 125 applications are received you will no longer be able to submit an application.
CIRA Scholarship Program
In 2007, the CIA partnered with the NWFCU Foundation to create the CIRA Scholarship Program to reduce the barriers of the children and grandchildren of current and former CIA employees to furthering their education. The CIA believes that investing CIRA funds in education is in line with the spirit of continuing interest in the development of the next generation.
We are pleased to announce the addition of the Richard W. Dubreuil Scholarship, made possible through a generous gift from his family in honor of his lifetime of achievement and distinguished service with the CIA. This scholarship, combined with the Burton Gerber Scholarship Program, will expand educational opportunities, and help support future generations of students while honoring Richard Dubreuil’s legacy.
The number of applications that can be accepted is capped at 125 due to cost and application review resources—we usually receive fewer than 125 applications. Please submit your application as soon as possible to ensure that your application can be accepted for review in the event demand is higher than average. Once 125 applications are received you will no longer be able to submit an application.