Skip to main content
Routing #321180379 Help | Appointments | Privacy |

Scholarships

First Tech offers members like you an opportunity to apply for a $5,000 scholarship to help offset the rising cost of post-secondary education.

2 Women look at the telescope
2 Women look at the telescope

Scholarship Recipients 2026

We are proud to continue our tradition of awarding scholarships to members who have showcased their determination, high academic achievement, and involvement in their communities. In 2026, we awarded $60,000 to the following 12 students, and we wish them the very best in their future careers.

Melody Chang

Melody ChangMelody Chang

University of Oregon, Data Science

I am truly so excited and grateful to receive First Tech's scholarship! This award encourages me to continue working hard and making the most of every opportunity, while also making my education much more financially accessible, allowing me to stay fully focused on my aspirations of working in data science and cancer research. Thank you so much, First Tech!

Grace Mescher

Grace MescherGrace Mescher

University of Oregon, Human Physiology

I am extremely grateful and honored to be a recipient of the First Tech Federal Credit Union STEM scholarship. This award alleviates financial stress, allowing me to fully focus on my education and continue on my path to becoming a physician. Thank you First Tech!

Leah Foster

Leah FosterLeah Foster

Bellingham Technical College, Machinist

I could not be more grateful for this scholarship. Receiving this allows me to pursue my degree without the stress of managing my finances each term on top of school work. I cannot wait to show my kids that women can do ANYTHING.

Oscar Javier Gonzalez

Oscar GonzalezOscar Gonzalez

Seattle University, Cell and Molecular Biology

The First Tech STEM scholarship allows me the peace of mind, freedom, and ability to pursue my dream of becoming a physician. It means I'll not only be able to continue studying what I love, but to do so supported and believed in, which I will forever be grateful for.

Kylee Sekiguchi

Kylee SekiguchiKylee Sekiguchi

University of Oregon, Biology

As a student working to fully support my own education, this money will help relieve an immense amount of financial stress. I am very grateful that I can focus on my education on a greater level with the help of this scholarship!

Emma Ward

Emma WardEmma Ward

Brandeis University, Biology and Biochemistry

I am deeply honored to receive the First Tech Federal Credit Union STEM Scholarship. This scholarship enables me to continue my studies in biology and biochemistry and brings me one step closer to a career in science. Thank you First Tech!

Kathleen Tyner

Kathleen TynerKathleen Tyner

Fayetteville Technical Community College, Nursing

This scholarship means the world to me, as I wasn't sure how I was going to pay for the rest of my education. This scholarship ensures that I'll be able to finish my education and start my dream career as a nurse. This gift will help me save lives in the future. Thank you so much!

Ryan J. Bain

Ryan J BainRyan J Bain

RAND School of Public Policy, Policy Analysis: Technology Applications

I am delighted to have been awarded this First Tech STEM Scholarship. It makes a real difference, alleviating some financial burden and allowing me to focus more on my AI research. I greatly appreciate First Tech's investment in my education, thank you.

Alice Taylor

Alice TaylorAlice Taylor

University of California Santa Cruz, Marine Biology and Biomolecular Engineering

First Tech Federal Credit Union’s generous scholarship is giving me the opportunity to attend summer school, pursue unpaid internships that are essential to my future in marine science, and continue competing in NCAA volleyball. It has also made it possible for me to continue my work with the MeWater Foundation where I enjoy supporting and building strong, lasting relationships in my community.

Akshaya Mandhapati

Akshaya MandhapatiAkshaya Mandhapati

University of Colorado Boulder, Biochemistry

I’m truly honored to receive the First Tech Federal Credit Union STEM Scholarship. This award will provide meaningful support as I pursue my studies in biochemistry and pre-med, helping me focus on developing the skills and knowledge I need for a future career in medicine. It motivates me to continue excelling in STEM and making a positive impact through my education.

Drew Donahue

Drew DonahueDrew Donahue

Boise State University, Civil Engineering

I will be able to pay for tuition to attend Boise State University because of this scholarship! Also, receiving this scholarship allows me to further pursue engineering, which means the world to me!

Joanne Yuh

Joanne YuhJoanne Yuh

New York Medical College, Medicine

I am honored to receive the First Tech STEM Scholarship, which brings me one step closer to becoming a physician. This award will allow me to stay focused on my studies, research, and community service as I begin my journey into medical school. I’m incredibly excited for the future and deeply grateful to First Tech for their support!

Each year we’re proud to award twelve outstanding members with $5,000 scholarships.

  • Ten scholarships to students with a STEM-focused major
  • Two scholarships to family members of First Tech employees with a STEM-focused major

Applications for the 2026-2027 Scholarship Program will be accepted December 1, 2026 at 12:00am PST through January 15, 2027 at 11:59PST

Applicant criteria:

  • Be a First Tech member in good standing by application deadline date. If the applicant’s guardians are members, the applicant must have their own membership with First Tech Federal Credit Union.
  • Plan to pursue a STEM-focused major or trade.
  • Plan to enroll or already be enrolled as a full-time or part-time student at an accredited institution for the upcoming academic year.
  • There is no age requirement for the scholarship program and students from all levels of study are eligible to apply.
  • Have a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA)

Please see our FAQ to answer questions you may have, or please contact Community Engagement.