The 2022 GWLN Scholarship and Empowerment Grant Application is now closed.
Winners will be announced by May 20, 2022.  

 

Scholarship Program Overview

As part of our mission to empower women worldwide, the Global Women's Leadership Network provides annual scholarships to 4 – 6 female leaders from the global credit union industry. Successful candidates will participate in all GWLN activities during the World Credit Union Conference (WCUC), join educational sessionsd and have the opportunity to connect in person, and virtually, with other credit union professionals from around the globe. 

Since 2009, Global Women has awarded 70 scholarships to women from 25 countries. Scholarships are made possible through funding from annual membership donations and industry partner sponsorships, including the generous support of Co-op Solutions, CUNA Mutual Group, CU Direct, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, 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.

GWLN Activities at 2022 World Credit Union Conference (WCUC)

Scholarship winners will participate in the 2022 World Credit Union Conference in Glasgow, Scotland from July 17-20, 2022. Scholars will meet with scholarship supporters, GWLN members and Sister Society leaders, attend the GWLN Forum and GWLN sessions, as well as connect with conference attendees. Focusing on professional development, scholars engage in interactive dialogue sessions, expand their knowledge and grow business relationships.

The 2022 WCUC is the premier global credit union education and networking event offered by the financial services industry including 28 concurring breakout sessions, workshop, keynote sessions and a Solution Center. Multiple opportunities to actively network with other attendees and industry partners from across our international cooperative movement will be available throughout the immersive experience.

Eligibility Criteria

Scholarship Award Criteria

  • Recipients will be female leaders who are currently active in the credit union movement.
  • Recipients will have demonstrated a leadership contribution to their community, organization, and credit union system.
  • Recipients will have a demonstrated financial need and would not otherwise be able to participate in the conference without financial assistance.
  • Preference will be given to recipients from diverse backgrounds
  • Past scholarship winners (with the exception of immediate past year) may re-apply.

Empowerment Grant Project Award Criteria:

  • Scholarship award winners must personally attend the GWLN Forum at 2022 WCUC
  • Scholarship award winner must present her Empowerment Grant Project to the GWLN attendees of the Forum and participate in all Network activities
  • Empowerment Grant Project award winners must implement the project proposed in the application

Empowerment Grant Projects

As part of the scholarship application, each scholarship applicant is required to submit an Empowerment Grant project proposal. The scholarship winners will present their project proposals to the Network during the GWLN Forum and members will have an opportunity to discuss the proposal’s need, solutions and Network engagement.

Project proposal summary boards will be available in the GWLN Lounge throughout the week and GWLN members will have the opportunity to vote on their preferred Empowerment Grant proposal(s).

After voting is complete, 1-2 winning projects will be announced after the World Credit Union Conference. The chosen project(s) will receive funds and support to be implemented in 2022-2023.