GWLN Scholarship Program

 

Scholarship Program Overview

As part of our mission to empower women in leadership in credit unions worldwide, GWLN offers an annual scholarship program to female leaders from the global credit union industry. Learning opportunities are made available to scholars through in person and virtual events so they can diversity skill sets, engage with other credit union professionals on a global scale and become better prepared to lead financial cooperatives in the future. 

Scholarships are made possible through funding from GWLN memberships and industry champion sponsorships. In 2023 this included the generous support of Co-op Solutions, TruStage, Origence, PSCU and the Susan Adams Scholarship Fund which was established in honor of former Entrust Financial Credit Union CEO Susan Adams supported by One AZ Credit Union. These annual awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated leadership and exemplify a commitment to improving lives through financial cooperatives.

Since 2009, GWLN has awarded 100 scholarships to women from 30 countries.

 

GWLN 2024 Scholarship

The GWLN 2024 scholarship will award up to four (4) winners the opportunity to attend the World Credit Union Conference (WCUC). The GWLN 2024 scholarship includes airfare, hotel and registration fees for 2024 WCUC.

The World Credit Union Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, July 21-24, 2024 represents the world’s largest gathering of credit union and financial cooperative leaders and industry professionals. Scholarship recipients will connect with the pulse of our global movement during five (5) full days of learning, networking and exchange.

Scholars will participate in all GWLN events, connect with scholarship supporters, GWLN members and Sister Society leaders, and engage with conference attendees throughout WCUC. Focusing on professional development, scholars engage in interactive dialogue sessions, expand their knowledge and grow professional relationships.

In 2024, GWLN will be co-hosting a joint forum with WYCUP to celebrate our 15-year anniversary bringing together leaders from around the world (women and emerging), as well as additional breakout learning and networking sessions during the WCUC 2024!

 

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the GWLN scholarship, individuals must:
  • Be women who are currently active in the credit union movement, either as an employee and/or volunteer with a credit union or a financial cooperative.
  • Demonstrate passion, leadership and personal commitment and the potential to influence credit unions/financial cooperatives within or outside their country.
  • Be endorsed by a credit union, cooperative financial institution or national/regional association that is either a member of the World Council of Credit Unions or is affiliated with one of its members. A list of World Council member organizations can be found here.
  • Not have been a previous GWLN scholarship recipient.

Application Process, Timeline and Evaluation

An eligible application for the GWLN scholarship includes a completed application form by the candidate by December 15, 2023 to cuwomen@woccu.org.

A panel of GWLN and Worldwide Foundation staff and Sister Society leaders will review applications. Scholarship winners will be announced in January 2024.

November 15, 2023

GWLN scholarship portal opens.

December 15, 2023

GWLN scholarship portal closes.

January 2024

2024 GWLN scholarship winners announced.

 

Scholarship Recipient Responsibilities

  • GWLN scholars are required to attend all GWLN-specific events during 2024 WCUC (Reception, Forum, Breakout Sessions).
  • GWLN scholars are strongly encouraged to document international engagement in social media, actively engage during GWLN events and become active participants in GWLN activities throughout the year.
  • Scholars are strongly encouraged to attend Sister Society meetings, in person in their home country or virtually, connecting with other Sister Societies sharing experience and showcasing progress.
  • The ability to obtain and receive a visa in a timely manner may be a requirement of your experience. Please plan ahead. If you are selected to attend and you are unable to obtain your visa you may be unable to attend an in person event as a GWLN Scholar.
  • Scholarship recipients and their sponsoring organizations will sign a commitment letter recognizing these responsibilities. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the scholarship.