Adult Learners Scholarship

Enhance your education with this scholarship for members ages 25 and older.

We're accepting applications for the 2025 Adult Learners Scholarship from Feb. 3 to March 21!

About the Adult Learners Scholarship

In 1939, fifteen educators pooled their money – just $78.75 – to start a credit union for teachers. To honor the legacy of our founding, we offer the Desert Financial Foundation Adult Learners Scholarship to members ages 25 or older.

In 2025, 30 applicants will be selected to receive $3,000 each in scholarship funds, to be distributed directly to the Arizona-based college, university or professional certification program of their choice.

Requirements

Be age 25 or older.
Be a member of Desert Financial in good standing at the time of application.¹
Be enrolled in (or have plans to enroll in) an accredited college, university or certification program in Arizona.
Write an essay describing your education goals.
Show a demonstrated financial need based on Student Aid Index (SAI) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Before submitting a nomination, please review these important guidelines.

Scholarship application process

Step 1

Fill out the application. Make sure you’re able to complete the application in one sitting. Information on partially completed applications won’t be saved.

Step 2

Your application will be reviewed and verified by Desert Financial Foundation’s Scholarship Committee.

Step 3

If your application is accepted for a scholarship award, you will be notified via email in April.

Apply today

To apply, fill out the form below by March 21. Winners will be notified no later than April 18.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Phone*

City*

Zip or Postal Code*

Gender²*

Gender Self-Described

Race²*

Race Self-Described

Pronouns*

Pronouns Self-Described

Are you 25 years old or older?*

Name of Arizona-based college, university or accredited certification program you are planning to attend*

Other College

When does the program start?*

When do you expect the program to end?*

How many people live in your household, including you?*

What is your household’s annual income?*

What is the annual cost of the program you are seeking or are currently enrolled in?*

ARE YOU A CURRENT MEMBER OR A RELATIVE OF A MEMBER?*

Neither

Member

Relative of a Member

Past Member

Account Holder First Name*

Account Holder Last Name*

Member Account # *

Essay Questions:

Please respond to the following essay questions. The essay questions provide an opportunity for you to elaborate on your current educational and career goals and financial need.

What are your educational plans? Why did you select this path of study?*

Thinking long-term, how will your educational plans help you reach your career goals? How is your intended career or program helping others? *

How will this scholarship contribute to your household becoming more self-sufficient? Please list any financial, professional, or personal barriers that this scholarship may assist you in overcoming.*

How did you hear about the Desert Financial Foundation Adult Learners Scholarship?

Scholarship Agreement Guidelines*

By clicking Submit below, you agree to the Scholarship Guidelines and acknowledge that the information provided to the questions above are complete, true and correct to the best of your knowledge.

Real voices, real impact

"This is going to make such a difference for me and my family. Having that extra bit of help will help me with all of my expenses as I pursue my educational degree."

Remie L.

"It has been tremendously helpful to have received this scholarship. As a working mom of two, it is hard to set aside time for myself ... I am incredibly grateful."

Michelle

Disclosures

Desert Financial Foundation is an exempt organization as described in section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, EIN# 81-1028132.

¹Good Standing is defined as having not caused a financial loss to Desert Financial Credit Union, all related deposit accounts are current, all related loan accounts are paid current and cannot be the subject of any legal or administrative order, garnishment or levy.

²Disclosure of applicant's race, gender and pronouns is optional.

Adult Learners Scholarship

We're accepting applications for the 2025 Adult Learners Scholarship from Feb. 3 to March 21!

About the Adult Learners Scholarship

Requirements

Scholarship application process

Apply today

Essay Questions:

Real voices, real impact

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