Gulf Winds Scholarship: Requirements and Opportunities

Gulf Winds Credit Union, deeply rooted in community support since 1954, offers scholarships to students pursuing higher education. These scholarships, including the general Gulf Winds Scholarship, the Rex Burt Trade School Scholarship, and the Micah Williams Memorial Scholarship, aim to alleviate the increasing costs of education and empower students to achieve their academic and career aspirations. The Gulf Winds Foundation, established in January 2021, formalizes the credit union's commitment to charitable efforts, focusing on elder services, youth services, basic needs, and financial education.

General Requirements for Gulf Winds Scholarships

To be eligible for a Gulf Winds scholarship, applicants must reside within Gulf Winds’ field of membership, encompassing North Florida, Southern Alabama, and Southern Georgia. Furthermore, the applicant must either be a Gulf Winds member or have a direct family member who is a member. The Gulf Winds Scholarship Program is designed to provide academic support to both incoming and continuing students.

Application Process and Required Information

The application process for the Gulf Winds Scholarship involves several key components. While the 2025-2026 Scholarship Program is now closed, and the 2026-2027 cycle is not yet open, understanding the requirements will help future applicants prepare. The online application can be found at GoGulfWinds.com/Scholarship. During the application period, candidates can save their application as a draft until all information is complete and attachments are uploaded. A checkmark will appear in the category tab when each section is complete and saved. Once finalized, the application should be saved as FINAL, and a copy can be downloaded and printed for the applicant's records.

The application requires the following information:

Personal Information: Basic details to identify the applicant.

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Academic History:
- List all high schools attended in chronological order.
- List all schools/colleges attended in chronological order.
- Two transcripts are required: one from the institution currently attending and one from the institution/school most recently graduated from.
Employment History:
- List any current and previous employers in chronological order.
- Include the company name, type of work, and dates of employment.
Extracurricular Activities and Awards:
- List any awards or special recognition received.
- List school and community activities participated in during the past three (3) years, detailing specific involvement. For community activities, the application requests information for the past five (5) years.
Financial Information:
- Please list your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as stated in the Student Aid Report (SAR) generated from your FAFSA submission. If you have not received your SAR, complete an estimate of your EFC using the calculator at finaid.org.
- If applicable, list all approved scholarships, financial aid, and grants, including work-study, for the coming academic year. Indicate the type(s), amount(s), and term (per semester, year, or one-time). Gulf Winds reserves the right to request additional financial information from each applicant.
Personal Statement:

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- A personal statement of 600 words or less is required. This statement allows the applicant to share their story, aspirations, and how the scholarship would impact their college/trade school experience.

Types of Gulf Winds Scholarships

Gulf Winds offers several types of scholarships, each with a specific focus:

General Gulf Winds Scholarships

Three non-renewable $5,000 scholarships are awarded to incoming higher education students. These scholarships support students in any field of study and recognize academic achievement and community involvement. In 2025, Gulf Winds awarded $25,000 in scholarship money to five students, demonstrating its commitment to local education.

Rex Burt Trade School Scholarship

This scholarship, also non-renewable and amounting to $5,000, honors Rex Burt, the former Facilities Manager at Gulf Winds Credit Union. It provides financial assistance to a student pursuing a trade, recognizing the value of skilled trades and vocational training. Rex Burt served as Facilities Manager for over 17 years.

Micah Williams Memorial Scholarship

The Micah Williams Memorial Scholarship is a non-renewable $5,000 scholarship awarded to a student currently enrolled in higher education courses and seeking a career in the medical field. This scholarship commemorates Micah Jay Williams, who was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and lived a joyful eight months. The scholarship supports students aspiring to provide professional medical services, honoring Micah's memory and the impact he had on his family and community.

Examples of Scholarship Recipients

The 2025 scholarship recipients exemplify the diverse talents and aspirations of students supported by Gulf Winds.

Jacob Akers: A National Beta Club member and Honors Principal List student with a passion for physics and mathematics. He plans to study at Auburn, participate in Student Government and the physics society, and tutor fellow students.
Monessa McMillan: An adaptable and talented student from Brewton, Alabama, excelling in both music and athletics. She is a state-level track competitor and demonstrated her musical talent by mastering the oboe in a short period.
Breely Richardson: Recognizing the need for improved medical services in her hometown, Breely is determined to establish a private practice with extended hours after graduation.
Lael Peterson: Inspired by her great-grandmother's work as a CNA, Lael is committed to service and leadership. She managed several drama club productions and engaged in community service, including a mission trip to Peru.
Jessica Abraham: With hands-on experience in a doctor's office, Jessica solidified her path to nursing. She has participated in coding robots for MIT, NASA, and the International Space Station through the Zero Robotics program and worked on Type 1 diabetes research at the University of Virginia.

Gulf Winds' Commitment to the Community

Gulf Winds Credit Union's commitment extends beyond financial services to investing in the communities it serves. The scholarship program is a testament to this commitment, recognizing and supporting accomplished students in their pursuit of education. Daniel Souers, President and CEO of Gulf Winds Credit Union, emphasizes the organization's dedication to supporting students in their educational and career success. Gulf Winds operates with the philosophy of people helping people, ensuring that its efforts benefit members and neighbors.

The Impact of the Scholarship

The $5,000 scholarship can significantly impact a student's college or trade school experience. It helps with the rising costs of education and sends a message of belief in the student's potential. The scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also motivates students to achieve their goals and contribute to their communities.

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