Scholarship Program

Charter Oak is proud to offer at least one $2,000 scholarship to each high school with an enrollment of 100 students or more in New London and Windham counties.

While we do consider an applicant’s individual academic achievements, our scholarship program focuses on how applicants have improved their schools and communities through extracurricular activities, individual community outreach, and involvement in community programs and activities. Applications will be available in early January.

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2025 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Charter Oak’s Scholarship Program has begun! Submit Your Application Today!

Charter Oak is proud to offer at least one $2,000 scholarship to each high school with an enrollment of 100 students or more in New London and Windham counties. While we do consider an applicant’s individual academic achievements, our scholarship program focuses on how applicants have improved their schools and communities through extracurricular activities, individual community outreach, and involvement in community programs and activities.

Please note: It is important that you review our 2025 Program Guidelines before you complete our Scholarship Application, so you understand all our requirements and conditions. Unfortunately, applications cannot be saved and completed later, and all scholarship applications require the completion of an essay.

Community Scholarship Program Guidelines

Mission of Scholarship Program:

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union is committed to helping the youth in our communities achieve lifelong success by providing financial support to deserving high school seniors and college students attending two-year or four-year accredited institutions of higher education.

After you have reviewed the program guidelines, check the confirmation box and begin your application.

  • Applicant (student) must be a primary member of Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.
  • Applicant must be a graduating high school senior, or a student planning to attend or currently attending an accredited institution of higher education such as a two-year or four-year college; or a technical, vocational or business college in September 2025. (Previous winners may submit an application for continued financial support.)
  • Applicant must excel academically, be involved in extracurricular activities and/or be involved in his or her local community.

Please highlight your relevant activities and achievements over the past year for our judges’ consideration.

Applications will ONLY be accepted electronically. Applications must be submitted by March 12, 2025.

Incomplete applications will be disqualified. Applicants may request information about the program by calling the Community Relations Coordinator at 860.446.8085 ext.3275 or emailing

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union’s Community Scholarship recipients are carefully chosen based on a variety of criteria by the Community Scholarship Program Committee. Recipients should be well-rounded student members from New London and Windham counties who have excelled academically, have had a strong involvement in extracurricular activities, or have made it a priority to give back to their community. The Committee considers financial need when selecting Community Scholarship recipients.

All applicants will be notified in writing of the Community Scholarship Program Committee’s decision. Charter Oak Federal Credit Union reserves the right to publicize the names and images of Scholarship recipients through our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, print publications and local media. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK, and be among the first to see the 2025 scholarship recipient list.

Scholarship checks will be sent directly to the college the recipient will be attending. Scholarship funds can only be used to fund college tuition expenses. Should the recipient not attend college by September 2025, he or she agrees to forfeit the scholarship award.

Other Student Options

Not only can we help ease the burden of college expenses by offering our scholarship program, but we can offer you a great option to save and smart ways to borrow!

  • Bright Future Savings Account: Now available to members between the age of 14 and 28!
    Learn more >

  • Bright Future Checking: Available to members between the age of 14 and 28.
    Learn more >
  • Student Lending Options via Sallie Mae: We are partnering with Sallie Mae to offer our members their Smart Option Student Loans.
    Find out more today >

Financial Literacy

Charter Oak also gives back to the community by promoting financial education and awareness. Our two high school branches (located at Killingly High School in Dayville and Robert E. Fitch High School in Groton) employ students interested in careers in financial service, and encourage students to start saving for the future.