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Walter J. Kostecky Memorial Scholarship

Good Neighbors Credit Union offers this annual scholarship for our members who are in good standing that have completed at least one year of an accredited 2 or 4 year educational institution. We will award multiple scholarships in memory of Walter J. Kostecky, a dedicated credit union volunteer.

Please see the 2026 application details below. Applications due Wednesday, July 15.

Application Details

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  1. Must be members in good standing at Good Neighbors Credit Union.
  2. Must have COMPLETED at least one year in an accredited two or four year educational institution.
  3. Scholarship funds must be used at an accredited two or four year educational institution.
  4. Only one application per student may be submitted.

Your Application:

  1. Please provide the following information: name, address, phone number, email address, name of college, date enrolled, major and/or degree sought, expected graduation date.
  2. Submit a college transcript including GPA with your application. The transcript may be “unofficial” but MUST be included.
  3. Respond to the scholarship topic prompt below. Must be original work.
  4. Include the following certification with your application: “I certify that this information is true, complete, and accurate. I authorize the release of this information to confirm and/or verify this application. I authorize the release of my name, school, and any award granted in public and media announcements. In addition, I give permission to duplicate my application packet for processing and evaluation by the Scholarship Committee”.

Questions about your eligibility? Email us at marketing@goodneighborscu.com

2026 Application Prompt

You may respond to the topic prompt below in the form of a PowerPoint presentation, musical offering, video, or written essay (minimum 800 words for essay). Use your imagination!

Theme: “The Power of Cooperation”
Cooperatives are organizations that are owned and guided by the people they serve. Whether they are worker-owned coops or consumer co-ops, around the world, cooperatives help provide financial services, food, housing, healthcare, childcare, and other essential resources.

Research a real cooperative, mutual aid effort, or community-based organization that has made a positive impact on people’s lives.

What need were they addressing, and how did cooperation help create solutions? What makes their approach different from traditional businesses or organizations?

Then, reflect on why cooperation matters in today’s world. What challenges do you think could be improved if people worked together more effectively? How can young people help promote cooperation in their own communities?

Please use clear examples and cite any sources you reference. Applications due Wednesday, July 15.

Submissions: Email completed applications to MARKETING@GOODNEIGHBORSCU.COM

Applications may also be mailed or delivered to:

Good Neighbors Credit Union

ATTN: Scholarship Committee / Marketing

30 Brunswick Road, Depew, NY 14043

 

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