The Centra Foundation is accepting applications for the 2026 Loretta M. Burd Scholarship Program. The program will award 34 $2,500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors and adult students for the fall 2026 semester.
Each Centra branch location will award one $2,500 scholarship to a high school senior in the local community. A select number of scholarships will be awarded to adult or nontraditional students who have decided to return to school. The Loretta M. Burd Adult Scholarship may be used to pursue an undergraduate degree, graduate degree or certification from an accredited college, university or technical/trade school. A select number of scholarships will be awarded to those looking to pursue a skilled trade or technical profession.
Named in honor of Loretta M. Burd, who retired from Centra Credit Union after 47 years of service, the Loretta M. Burd Scholarship Program is designed to invest in members’ futures.
The program specifically helps local students who plan to attend a two- or four-year college, university or technical/trade school.
To qualify for a scholarship, the applicant or the applicant’s parent or legal guardian must be a member of Centra Credit Union with an account in good standing. To learn more about how to become a Centra Member, individuals can visit https://www.centra.org/become-amember/. Awards can be used at two- or four-year colleges, universities or technical/trade schools for the fall 2026 semester.
Applications will be accepted until March 8 at https://www.centra.org/centrafoundation/scholarships/. Applications will be reviewed on academic achievements, school and community involvement, work history and a short essay about financial literacy. The scholarship places value on well-rounded students who display a strong work ethic and involvement in their local community. Scholarship recipients will be announced in April.
