Meet our 2026 Scholarship Recipients
A core part of our mission is advocacy and education, helping build financial health and achieve dreams. As a part of that ongoing commitment, we present our annual scholarship for our Members. Through this scholarship, we aim to support our Members as they take meaningful steps toward a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
The Annual Scholarship is open to our Members who are pursuing postsecondary education. Chosen recipients are selected based on scholastic achievement, community involvement, school or work-related activities, and the content of an original written essay.
Our 2026 recipients were asked to write about inspiring others through their personal story. We received a record-breaking 537 applications, with each application offering a glimpse into the dedication and determination our Members bring to their educational pursuits, making the selection process both thoughtful and inspiring. In addition to our Annual Scholarship Program, this year we are also celebration a Partners Employee Scholarship winner.
We are proud to present our selected scholarship recipients, Adithi A., Emmanuel M., Kiyoko S., and Madeline M.
Adithi A.
Adithi A. is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering at the California Institute of Technology. She aims to develop cures for underserved diseases through the intersection of medicine and artificial intelligence.
The Partners Scholarship will immensely help in chasing my dreams to be an innovator in the medical field.
Emmanuel M.
Emmanuel M. will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Data Science and Political Science at Yale University. His goal is to become a policy analyst who translates the lived struggles of marginalized communities into actionable, equitable legislation. Through advocacy, organizing, and initiative-building, he is committed to amplifying voices that go unseen.Winning this Scholarship allows me to go to the school of my dreams.
Kiyoko S.
Kiyoko S. plants to attend the University of California, San Diego to pursue Cognitive Science with a minor in Business. She hopes to become a doctor who works closely with patients and remains excited to continue exploring different areas of the medical field to discover where she can make the greatest impact. I am excited for this new chapter in my life and will strive to make the most of every opportunity it brings.
Madeline M.
Madeline M. plans to attend the University of California, Los Angeles to pursue a career in Wealth Management where she hopes to help individuals better understand and expand their financial opportunities. She also intends to continue working with her community in East Los Angeles and eventually establish a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to financial literacy. It is really nice that Partners forms not just a business relationship with their Members, but also a personal one.
Your financial Partners for life.
“These scholars remind us that reflection, resilience, and using your voice can create meaningful change,” said Ricky Otey, President and CEO of Partners Federal Credit Union. “We’re proud to support the next generation as they build a better future.”
The Partners Scholarship is an annual award exclusive to Partners Members who will be enrolled in an accredited 2- or 4-year degree program within the next calendar year. Since the program’s inception in 2000, over $410,000 in funds have been awarded to 54 students.
Building Financial Confidence
April is Financial Literacy Month, a reminder that building financial confidence doesn’t happen all at once. It happens through small decisions, consistent habits, and learning moments that add up over time.
.jpg)
Five Minute Money Moves
Improving your financial wellbeing does not have to take hours. If you have five minutes today, you have time to make progress.
Start with this quick checklist.
Your Tax Document Guide for Tax Season
This process can be a bit overwhelming, which is why Partners is here to help prepare you as best we can by providing some important information and answering any questions you may have.