How the Ouachita Valley FCU Scholarship Supports Student Financial Success

student scholarship programs

Preparing for college is one of the first major financial decisions many young people make. Tuition, housing, books, and other expenses add up quickly, and understanding how those costs are covered is an important learning experience for teens.

For high school seniors across Northeast Louisiana, the Ouachita Valley FCU Scholarship offers a practical opportunity to reduce some of those costs while learning how to approach higher education with a financially responsible mindset.

A Credit Union With Deep Roots in Education

Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union was founded in 1955 as a teachers’ credit union. From the beginning, education has been part of our mission. We’ve expanded to serve everyone who lives, worships, works, or goes to school in 17 parishes across Northeast Louisiana.

Supporting local students and families remains a high priority for our credit union, and our annual scholarship program reflects that commitment.

Who Is Eligible for the 2026 Scholarship?

The Ouachita Valley FCU Scholarship is available to 2026 graduating high school seniors who:

  • Are currently attending a public school in one of the parishes we serve

  • Have maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout high school

  • Scored a 19 or higher on the ACT exam

  • Plan to attend a university, community college, or technical school in the state of Louisiana

  • Have an immediate family member (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, or legal guardian) who is a current member in good standing of Ouachita Valley FCU

Family members of current employees, members of the supervisory committee, or members of the Board of Directors are not eligible.

Eligible Parishes and School Systems

  • Bienville

  • Caldwell

  • Catahoula

  • Claiborne

  • East Carroll

  • Franklin

  • Jackson

  • LaSalle

  • Lincoln

  • Madison

  • Morehouse

  • Ouachita

  • Richland

  • Tensas

  • Union

  • West Carroll

  • Winn

  • Monroe City Schools

What the Scholarship Provides

Selected recipients receive a $1,000 scholarship, which is payable directly to the school the student plans to attend. Funds are awarded in May for the upcoming fall semester.

Those funds can help offset expenses such as:

  • Tuition balances

  • Books and supplies

  • Housing deposits

  • Required fees

Every dollar that reduces out-of-pocket costs can make the transition to college more manageable.

Application Requirements and Deadline

Completed applications must be returned no later than March 20, 2026. Applicants must submit:

  • A completed scholarship application

  • A current official high school transcript

  • A copy of official ACT or SAT scores

  • Two letters of recommendation

  • A personal essay (not to exceed 500 words)

You can download the application here. Applications should be mailed to:

Ouachita Valley FCU
Attn: Jessica Wilson
1420 Natchitoches Street
West Monroe, LA 71292

The scholarship panel reviews all applications, and recipients are notified by phone. Scholarship funds are payable directly to the student’s attending school. All submissions must be the sole, original work of the applicant. Applicants also consent to the publication of their name, biographical information, and likeness for promotional purposes.

Scholarships as a Financial Literacy Opportunity

Understanding how education is financed is a key part of youth financial literacy. Many students sign loan agreements without fully understanding interest, repayment timelines, or how monthly payments may affect their future budgets.

The scholarship application process gives families a natural opportunity to:

  • Discuss the real cost of college

  • Compare scholarships, savings, and student loans

  • Weigh the long-term impact of borrowing

  • Explore ways to reduce future debt

Parents can use this time to explain how student loans work, what repayment looks like after graduation, and how even modest scholarship awards can reduce overall borrowing. Having these conversations early can help students make more informed financial decisions later.

Supporting Local Students Across 17 Parishes in Northeast Louisiana

Ouachita Valley FCU’s scholarship program reflects our long-standing commitment to education and community growth.

If you are a graduating senior in Spring 2026, or the parent or relative of one, and meet the eligibility requirements, consider applying. For more information about the scholarship or membership eligibility, contact Ouachita Valley FCU at 318.387.4592 or visit a local branch.

 

Brenda McMullen