Award for Academic Excellence 2026
Yakima Federal has established this award for the purpose of recognizing high academic achievers graduating from high school and a resident in Benton, Franklin, Kittitas or Yakima County. It is for those graduates who are accepted by and enrolled in an accredited college, university, community college, or technical school during this year’s fall semester. Up to eighty (80) Scholarships in the amount $2,500 each may be awarded this year.
Academic Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:
Applicant must be a senior level student graduating from high school and a resident in Benton, Franklin, Kittitas, or Yakima County. No more than two recipients from a school will be awarded scholarships.
The scholarship is to be used at a post-high school accredited institution beginning in fall 2026. Failure to enroll will result in withdrawal of the scholarship award. The award will be made payable to the college and sent to the applicant upon Yakima Federal receiving proof of acceptance.
Scholarships will be awarded based on the following criteria:
- Top ten percent of graduating class;
- Community Service and Leadership activity within and outside the school environment;
- One-page Letter of Motivation outlining your future plans, school and life experiences, including any challenges faced and overcome, the impact of receiving an award plus any additional information to support your selection for an award;
- Two letters of recommendation;
- Statement signed by school official verifying top ten percent status. (Not required for Home Schooled students).
Instructions for Completing and Submitting the Application:
- Fully complete and submit application and required one-page Letter of Motivation
- Submit most recent transcript with cumulative grade point average
- Submit two (2) letters of recommendation as follows:
- One letter from a school teacher, counselor or administrator. (If student is home schooled a letter of academic reference will be accepted.)
- One letter from a community member not related to the applicant.
- Application and required documents can be submitted online or mailed to;Yakima Federal Savings and Loan
Attn: Erin Thierolf
P. O. Box 1526
Yakima WA 98907
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS APRIL 20TH, 2026
