Yakima Federal Savings Announces April 20 Deadline for $217,500 in Academic Scholorships

High-achieving high school seniors in Central Washington and the Columbia Basin have until April 20 to apply for the Yakima Federal Savings and Loan Award for Academic Excellence scholarship program. The bank will award up to $217,500 in total funding this year to help local students pursue higher education.
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Individual scholarships of $2,500 are available to eligible students residing in Yakima, Kittitas, Benton, or Franklin counties.


Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for the award, applicants must graduate in the top 10% of their class and demonstrate high moral character, industriousness, and ambition. The program is also open to home-schooled students who meet the academic criteria.

Applicants must submit:

• A completed application via YakimaFed.com/scholarship.
• A one-page letter of motivation outlining future plans, life experiences, challenges overcome, and the anticipated impact of the scholarship.

Key Dates and Award Details

• Application Deadline: Monday, April 20, 2026.
• Recipient Notification: June 1, 2026.
• Disbursement: Awards are paid directly to the student’s chosen school upon fall enrollment.

"For 50 years, Yakima Federal has been committed to investing in the future of our local leaders," said Dan Gaulke, President and CEO of Yakima Federal. "With nearly $3.4 million awarded to date, we are proud to continue supporting the ambition and hard work of students in our communities."

Awards are limited to two applicants per school. For more information on requirements and to apply, visit YakimaFed.com/scholarship.