The CU Foundation MD&DC&DE officially unveiled its 2026 scholarship recipients in July 2026, recognizing a total of twelve outstanding students from the Maryland, Delaware, and DC region. Ten essay contest champions and two video contest winners were each awarded a $2,000 scholarship, presented by their respective credit unions, marking a significant investment in the academic futures of local youth.
The selection process for the essay contest was rigorous, involving over 75 volunteer judges who meticulously reviewed 192 total essay entries. This extensive judging effort culminated in the identification of ten exceptional students whose writing demonstrated remarkable talent and insight. The named essay winners for the 2026 scholarships include Grace Berquist, Latanya Cammon, Bryce Davis, Ana Foendador, Aquiles Foendador, Leah Foltyn, Justin Nguyen, Christian Rondon, Elle Sloan, and Adam Weed.
In addition to the essay champions, two deserving individuals were recognized as winners in the video contest category. While their names were not specified in the announcement, they too received the $2,000 scholarship award, underscoring the foundation's commitment to supporting diverse forms of student expression and achievement.
The scholarships, totaling $24,000 across all twelve recipients, are a testament to the CU Foundation MD&DC&DE's dedication to fostering educational excellence within the communities served by credit unions throughout Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. Each scholarship aims to alleviate financial burdens and empower students to pursue their higher education goals, contributing to the development of future leaders and professionals in the region.
The annual scholarship program, managed by the MD&DC&DE Foundation, continues to be a vital initiative for credit union affiliates, providing tangible support to students who have demonstrated academic merit and creative prowess. The announcement in July 2026 highlights the ongoing commitment of the foundation and its network of volunteer judges to celebrate and invest in the educational journey of young individuals across the tri-state area.