Ardent Credit Union Scholarship Program
Ardent Credit Union has always believed in helping our members. The scholarship program, created in
2011, has already awarded close to $54,000 to our members wishing to further their education. We
believe strongly in giving back to our members and the communities we serve. The 2017 Ardent Credit
Union Scholarship Program will award ten (10) scholarships to members who demonstrate credit union participation,
academic excellence, or ambition and accomplishments, including school activities, volunteer activities, and the
content of two essay submissions.
Who Is Eligible?
You are eligible to apply if you are a primary member of Ardent with your own account. If you are not a member,
you may be eligible to join Ardent and apply. Your accounts (checking, ATM, savings, etc.) must be in good standing,
with no delinquent or charged-off loans.
Also, you must be a graduating high school senior who will be attending a fulltime course of study at an
accredited two (2) or four (4) year college, university, trade, technical, or business school during the
2017-2018 school year.
How Much Are The Awards?
Ardent will award one (1) $2,500 scholarship and nine (9) $1,000 Scholarships. Awards are distributed through the
schools’ financial aid office.
Criteria
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You must be a member of Ardent and have membership in your own name.
Employees and their families, board members, volunteers, and board members are not eligible to
apply.
Applicant must have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 (B average). If
grades are not determined on a 4.0 scale, grading equivalency will be used to determine
eligibility.
Applicant must be a high school senior who has been formally accepted into an accredited two or
four year college, university, trade, technical, or business school during the 2017-2018 school year.
Applicant must demonstrate community service, take on responsibilities within the family, and/or
maintain a part-time job.
Applicants must submit:
1. Completed application
2. Official copy of high school transcript (issued within the last six months)
3. Two essays
4. Two Scholarship Recommendation Forms from professional references such as an
instructor, academic advisor, principal, mentor, coach, teacher, or employer.
5. A photo of themselves (professional senior photo is encouraged) and a signed photo
release form. The photo can be emailed to [email protected].
Applications must be completed in full with all requested documents attached. Applications must
be postmarked by March 31, 2017.
2017
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Timing / Filing Deadline
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Applications will be made available to the members beginning December 16,
16, 2016
2016.
Filing deadline for the Ardent Credit Union Scholarship is March 31, 2017
2017. Send full applications to
Ardent Credit Union
Scholarship Committee
1500 Spring Garden St, Suite 500
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Essay Topics
Choose one from the topics below:
1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe
their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your
story.
2. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or
time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the
experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you
make the same decision again?
4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual
challenge, a research query, or an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no
matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to
identify a solution.
5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from
childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
For your 2nd essay,
essay please elaborate on the following scenario. You and a friend would like to start
building your credit. Discuss with your friend what good credit is, ways to start building credit, how
Ardent may help, and the benefits earned by having good credit.
Each essay should be approximately 400-500 words, typed in 12-point font, be double-spaced and have
one-inch margins. Please submit with your application, and ensure your name appears on all pages.
Judging Criteria and Information
Ardent is committed to social responsibility, and we take pride in helping our members and their children
succeed with their educational goals. Scholarships are awarded based on the criteria provided, school
activities, volunteer activities/employment, and content of two essay responses (mechanics, style,
grammar, and originality). Life experience will be a contributing factor. Scholarship recipients are
selected without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, veteran status, gender, or
handicap. Scholarship finalists may be interviewed by members of the scholarship committee. All
decisions by the scholarship committee are final and not open to contest.
Judging will be conducted by a scholarship committee consisting of selected volunteers from the Ardent
Credit Union community. The primary intent of the Committee is to discover well-rounded and
education-oriented individuals and assist them in advancing their education.
Notification
All winners will be notified by phone, email, and postal mail within the first week of May 2017. At that time, we will
verify to which school the scholarship will be sent. Awards are sent directly to the candidates matriculating school.
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Ardent Credit Union Scholarship Application – Page 1 of 2
Scholarship Applicant Information
Name:
________________________________________________
Address:
________________________________________________
City, State, and Zip code:
________________________________________________
Home Phone:
________________________________________________
Cell Phone:
________________________________________________
Email:
________________________________________________
Member Number:
________________________________________________
High School Career
Name of High School:
________________________________________________
Address:
________________________________________________
City, State and Zip code:
________________________________________________
Cumulative Grade Point Average:1_______________________________________________
SAT Scores: ______________________
or ACT Scores:____________________
Grade Level:2 _____________________
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Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) for eligibility is 3.0 (B average) and must be verified by
transcript issued within the last six months.
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Must be a graduating high school senior to apply.
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Ardent Credit Union Scholarship Application – Page 2 of 2
Extra-curricular Activities and Charitable Service Hours
Please provide us with a list of your activities that you participated in. Charitable service activities are
voluntary and unpaid; internships or work placements should be listed as extra-curricular. If you need
additional space, please attach an additional document and note an attachment in this section.
Name of Club or Sport:
________________________________________________
Length of Service:
________________________________________________
Positions Held / Responsibilities:
________________________________________________
Name of Charitable Organization:
________________________________________________
Hours Served:
________________________________________________
Reference Name and Phone Number:________________________________________________
Name of Employment:
________________________________________________
Hours Served:
________________________________________________
Reference Name and Phone Number:________________________________________________
College and Career Goals
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Name of School:
________________________________________________
Address:
________________________________________________
City, State and Zip code:
________________________________________________
Major / Course of Study:
________________________________________________
Intended Degree:
________________________________________________
Desired Profession:
________________________________________________
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Applicant must be a high school senior who has been formally accepted into an accredited two or four
year college, university, trade, technical or business school.
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Scholarship Eligibility Checklist
Please check each box where applicable and ensure all documentation is attached. Incomplete
applications, or applications that do not meet eligibility requirements, will not be considered for
scholarship award.
□ I have completed this application in full.
□ I have completed and attached the two essay responses.
□ I have attached two Scholarship Recommendation Forms from professional references such as
an instructor, academic advisor, principal, mentor, coach, teacher or employer.
□ I have attached my official high school transcript reflecting my current G.P.A. and grade level.
□ I have attached verification of my acceptance to an accredited two or four year college,
university, trade, technical or business school.
□ I have included a professional photo and signed photo release form.
Disclosure, Certification and Release Authorization
I certify this information is true, complete and accurate. I authorize release of information to confirm
and/or verify this application. I understand this application becomes the property of Ardent Credit Union.
I authorize Ardent Credit Union to use my name, essay contents, and photographs taken at scholarship
events in advertising and professional public releases as they see fit. Ardent Credit Union is not
responsible for lost or misdirected mail.
Scholarship recipients will be chosen by the Ardent Credit Union Scholarship Committee. All decisions
made by the committee are final and not open to contest. Employees, board members, and relatives of
employees and board members at Ardent Credit Union are not eligible to apply.
If I am awarded the scholarship, I hereby grant Ardent Credit Union permission to use my student
identification number or social security number for use of dispersing funds.
I understand if I am selected to receive this scholarship, Ardent Credit Union has no legal liability or
obligation to me other than the one-time payment of the scholarship award for the 2017-2018 school
year. Scholarship money will be sent to the school to be applied to tuition, books, and/or on-campus
housing on behalf of the recipient. There will be no cash disbursement to the student.
Applications postmarked after March 31, 2017 are ineligible for scholarship award.
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Ardent Credit Union Scholarship Recommendation Form (1)
Submit two Scholarship Recommendation Forms from professional references such as an instructor,
academic advisor, principal, mentor, coach, teacher or employer.
Applicant’s Name:______________________________________________________________
Please circle the points, which represent your evaluation of the applicant. If you have no fair basis for
judgment, do not hesitate to say so.
Motivation, Energy, & Initiative
No Basis for Judgment
Originality
Circle Score
Low
High
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Leadership
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Self-Confidence
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Warmth of Personality
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Sense of Humor
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Concern for Others
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ability to React Positively to Setbacks
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Respect Accorded by Peers and/or Co-workers
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Please make a written statement regarding how this applicant has exceeded your expectations as a
student or an employee. A Letter of Recommendation must be attached, limited to one page.
Signature:
________________________________________________
Print Name:
________________________________________________
Relationship to Applicant:
________________________________________________
Work Phone:
________________________________________________
School or Business Name:
________________________________________________
Date:
________________________________________________
A written statement is necessary for the Recommendation Form to be considered by the Committee.
Ardent Credit Union
1500 Spring Garden St, Suite 500
Philadelphia, PA 19130
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Ardent Credit Union Scholarship Recommendation Form (2)
Submit two Scholarship Recommendation Forms from professional references such as an instructor,
academic advisor, principal, mentor, coach, teacher or employer.
Applicant’s Name:______________________________________________________________
Please circle the points, which represent your evaluation of the applicant. If you have no fair basis for
judgment, do not hesitate to say so.
Motivation, Energy, & Initiative
No Basis for Judgment
Originality
Circle Score
Low
High
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Leadership
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Self-Confidence
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Warmth of Personality
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Sense of Humor
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Concern for Others
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ability to React Positively to Setbacks
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Respect Accorded by Peers and/or Co-workers
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Please make a written statement regarding how this applicant has exceeded your expectations as a
student or an employee. A Letter of Recommendation must be attached, limited to one page.
Signature:
________________________________________________
Print Name:
________________________________________________
Relationship to Applicant:
________________________________________________
Work Phone:
________________________________________________
School or Business Name:
________________________________________________
Date:
________________________________________________
A written statement is necessary for the Recommendation Form to be considered by the Committee.
Ardent Credit Union
1500 Spring Garden St, Suite 500
Philadelphia, PA 19130
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Photo, Likeness, Quotation, and/or Testimonial, and Tax Release Form
Name: _____________________________________________________________
Age:___________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
City:______________________________
State: _______ Zip:____________
Phone: (_________)_________-- ___________________
For value received, receipt whereof is hereby confessed and acknowledged, I DO HEREBY GIVE AND
GRANT unto Ardent Credit Union of Philadelphia, Pa., its successors and assigns, full and exclusive
permission to copyright, use and publish for any and all commercial purposes whatsoever any and all
photographs, illustrations, photographic reprints, videotapes, films, audio recordings or printed
testimonials or quotations of myself or other reproductions from negatives, positives, analog or digital
recordings made of me at their studios or elsewhere in any and all poses, either in conjunction with or
without using my name, and to make changes or alterations in such photographs, with testimonial copy,
with fictitious name or otherwise, in such manner as to said Ardent Credit Union shall deem proper.
Taxes on prizes are solely the winner’s responsibility. I do further certify that I am of full age and
possessed of full legal capacity to execute the foregoing authorization and release.
X____________________________________
(Signature)
Parent or Guardian:
Date:
X____________________________________
(Signature)
________________________________
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