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identifier labelScholarship & Grant Opportunities

Consumers Cooperative Association (CCA), the sponsor of Consumers Credit Union (CCU), is offering scholarships and grant opportunities to eligible members*

College Level Scholarships

High school seniors graduating in the Class of 2026 and current college students have the chance to earn one of six scholarships totaling up to $30,000.

  • $10,000 Bill Reidel Memorial Scholarship. Honoring William “Bill” Reidel, President Emeritus of Consumers Credit Union. Bill served CCU for nearly 40 years, including 25 years as CEO, where his leadership shaped the organization’s culture and deepened its commitment to serving members. His dedication and focus on member-first values continue to influence CCU’s work every day.
  • $5,000 Gayhart Silvola Honorary Scholarship. Honoring Gayhart Silvola, Chairman of the Association Board for more than a decade. Gayhart was a strong supporter of member education, especially in financial wellness, and consistently championed efforts that strengthened CCU’s connection to the communities it serves. His leadership and commitment played an essential role in guiding the Association’s mission.
  • $5,000 Dorotha Betke Honorary Scholarship. Honoring Dorotha Betke, Treasurer of the Association for more than 25 years. Dorotha oversaw all budgeting, financial statements, and reporting with exceptional dedication during her long tenure. Her steady leadership and selfless contributions were instrumental in shaping the Association into what it is today.
  • $5,000 Kathleen Crews Honorary Scholarship. Honoring Kathleen Crews, former President of the Association. Kathleen led the Association during a period of significant change, guiding its development with clarity and purpose. Her leadership at the Annual Meeting, together with her unwavering commitment to growth, resulted in a significant increase in the number of college scholarships awarded and furthered the Association’s mission to support education.
  • $2,500 Kaarin Luhtala Honorary Scholarship. Honoring Kaarin Luhtala, Consumers Credit Union Board Member and Treasurer. Serving from CCU’s earliest years, Kaarin helped shape the foundation of the credit union through her leadership on the Board and her historic role as one of its first women officers. Elected to a three-year term and later advancing to Board Treasurer, Kaarin’s achievements, while perhaps more commonplace today, were truly progressive for the early 20th century and helped pave the way for greater inclusion.
  • $2,500 Ellen Sandvick Honorary Scholarship. Honoring Ellen Sandvick, first woman to lead a financial institution in Lake County when she served as Chairperson of the Consumers Credit Union Board in 1958. Shortly thereafter, she was elected to lead the Lake County Chapter of Credit Unions (later known as the T.W. Doig Chapter), expanding opportunities for women in finance both at CCU and across Lake County. Her leadership advanced the role of women within financial institutions well beyond our doors.
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Trade School Scholarships


Scholarship opportunities are also available for eligible members pursuing a trade that is a priority in the communities we serve. Up to three students will be selected to receive funding toward a trade school certification program, up to $5,000 per person.
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Student Loan Debt Grant


A Student Loan Debt Grant is also available for eligible members who need assistance paying down existing student loan debt. Our focus is on supporting individuals who have faced significant hardships or can demonstrate how eliminating all or part of their debt would allow them to positively impact their community.
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ccu logoScholarships & Grants FAQs

Frequently asked questions about our scholarships and grants offered.


All applications open at 12:00 a.m. CST on December 15, 2025. The deadline for all entries is 11:59 p.m. CST on February 15, 2026.

* To be eligible, either the applicant or their parent/guardian must be a member in good standing since December 1, 2024. Employees, directors, and their family and household members are not eligible to apply.

To be eligible, either the applicant or their parent/guardian must be a member of Consumers Credit Union in good standing from 12/1/2024. Employees, directors, and their family members are not eligible to apply.
  • College Scholarships: Six awards totaling up to $30,000 for high school seniors (Class of 2026) and current college students.
  • Trade School Scholarships: Up to three awards of $5,000 each for students pursuing trade certifications.
  • Student Loan Debt Grant: Assistance for eligible members to pay down existing student loan debt.
  • Bill Reidel Memorial Scholarship: $10,000
  • Gayhart Silvola Honorary Scholarship: $5,000
  • Dorotha Betke Honorary Scholarship: $5,000
  • Kathleen Crews Honorary Scholarship: $5,000
  • Kaarin Luhtala Honorary Scholarship: $2,500
  • Ellen Sandvick Honorary Scholarship: $2,500
  • Trade School Scholarships: Up to $5,000 per person
  • Student Loan Debt Grant: Amount varies based on need and impact.
Applications open December 15, 2025 at 12:00 a.m. CST and close February 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Visit https://www.myconsumers.org/consumers-cooperative-association and complete the online application in Kaleidoscope. You will need:

  • Membership Information
  • Academic or enrollment verification
  • Responses to application questions

Applicants must:

  • Submit all required documents by the deadline
  • Answer essay questions thoughtfully
  • Demonstrate alignment with CCA values: integrity, service, and community impact

Selections are based on:

  • Quality and originality of essay responses
  • Academic or trade school commitment
  • Community involvement and leadership potential
  • Financial need (especially for Student Loan Debt Grant)
Recipients will be notified no later than April 2026.
Yes, you may apply for multiple opportunities if you meet the eligibility criteria for each.
Email [email protected] for assistance.

This year, we are expanding and enriching our program to support members through different phases of education and address vital needs in our communities. In addition to college scholarships, we’ve added:

  • Trade School Scholarships to recognize the importance of skilled trades in local economies.
  • Student Loan Debt Grants to help members overcome financial barriers and continue contributing to their communities.

Follow these tips to make your application stand out and increase your chances of being selected:

  • Be innovative, insightful, and inspirational in your responses.
  • Show commitment and dedication to your educational and community goals.
  • Provide thoughtful, well-structured answers that demonstrate clarity and purpose.
  • Align your responses with CCA values: integrity, service, and community impact.
  • Highlight leadership potential and real-world impact in your plans.
  • Proofread your application carefully for accuracy.
  • Include specific examples to make your answers compelling and authentic.

Consumers Cooperative Awarded 38 Scholarships Totaling $90,000 in 2025

2025 Winners are listed here

For more information about the Consumers Cooperative Association’s scholarship program, contact [email protected].

Consumers Cooperative Association

Consumers Cooperative Association was organized in 1970 and serves as a "Common Bond" for Membership at Consumers Credit Union.
The Consumers Cooperative Association is managed by a Board of five (5) Directors, each serving one (1) year terms. The following individuals represent the current CCA Board of Directors:
• Nathan Gallentine
• Karina Gil
• Alyssa Olsen
• Carla Schroeder
• Katherine Vittore
ccu logoConsumers Cooperative Association

How to Become a Member

It's easy to join Consumers Cooperative Association and become a member of CCU to enjoy all the benefits!
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A. The Illinois Credit Union Act, under which Consumers Credit Union operates, requires every credit union to have a Membership Common Bond. The Consumers Cooperative Association provides an associational common bond for Consumers Credit Union. Other credit unions have other common bonds. For example, an employees' credit union has employment as the common bond. In credit unions sponsored by communities, residence is the common bond.
A. Yes, by filling out an application and paying a one-time Membership fee ($5.00). If you join Consumers Credit Union, the fee will be reimbursed. The reimbursement does not apply to indirect members or those who join to refinance a loan.
A. Yes. But you cannot be a Member of Consumers Credit Union unless you are a Member of the Association.