Golden 1 is here to help you level up your future without drowning in student debt
At Golden 1, we’re passionate about education and the opportunities it creates. By supporting students on their academic journeys, we’re helping them build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Let’s face it: college can be expensive. Between tuition, fees, rent, and ramen, costs add up quickly. That’s why we’re committed to helping students pursue their goals without financial stress holding them back.
Every year, we award Golden 1 scholarships to California students who are doing big things. To date, we have awarded $5 million to deserving students since 2013. That’s a lot of lives changed. And you could be next.
The application is now live and closes on January 31, 2026!
Golden 1 scholarships
We’re here to help our members reach their academic goals. If you’re planning to attend a nonprofit two- or four-year college in California, you might be eligible.
Golden 1 Credit Union awards renewable scholarships of up to $5,000 each year to students attending colleges in California.
To be eligible for a Golden 1 scholarship, recipients must:
- Be a high school senior or a college freshman, sophomore, or junior
- Hold a 3.0 G.P.A. or higher
- Have a minimum of 24 hours of community service in the past 12 months OR have a minimum of 24 hours of work experience
- Attend or plan to attend an accredited, nonprofit, two- or four-year college/university in California
- Be a Golden 1 member*
Why scholarships matter
Scholarship programs are about more than financial aid. Whether you're dreaming of launching a business, teaching the next generation, or making a difference in your community, financial support can help you get there.
- Less debt = more freedom: Student loans can weigh you down for years. Scholarships help lighten the load, so you can graduate with fewer financial worries and more room to focus on what’s next.
- Your family will thank you: College can be a big financial stretch for families. Scholarships help ease that pressure, giving you and your loved ones some breathing room.
- It’s more than just tuition: Scholarships can help cover rent, groceries, transportation – the expenses that make college life possible.
- Better grades, less stress: When money isn’t a constant concern, it’s easier to concentrate, stay motivated, and crush those exams.
- Boost your resume: Scholarships show future employers you’re dedicated, resilient, and capable. Those qualities make a big impression in today’s competitive job market.
Ready to apply?
- See Golden1.com/scholarships for the scholarship application link, dates, and details
- Become a Golden 1 member to be eligible
Real talk from past recipients
“Life is a walk that’s not meant to be done alone. Someday I want to be that person who opens a door for someone else.”
— Jenna Y., UC Santa Barbara
“Apply to the scholarship. It helps a lot. It's reoccurring. And if you don't get it first time – I didn't get it the first time – try again. Just try again. Prove to them you’re resilient.”
— Jaylen J-T., UC Davis
“Something I really think about is how am I actually going to pay for college? So, this is a way to just ease my mind without having to worry about something like financials, and actually focus on my academics.”
— Alejandro V., UC Davis
“I aspire to be a role model for my younger siblings – someone that they can look up to, who they can depend upon when difficulties strike, and be the positive influence that encourages them to achieve their aspirations.”
— Majhema F., San Joaquin Valley College
2025 Golden 1 scholarship recipients celebrate
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Already applied for a Golden 1 Scholarship? Check out these resources for even more information
- College Financing 101: Visit Golden 1’s On Demand Webcasts and scroll to College Financing 101
- Scholarship Search: A customizable search engine presented by our Learning Lab2
- College financing learning modules: List of related Learning Lab materials
*Golden 1 membership is required as a condition of applying to and accepting our scholarship. Must be listed as the Member/Owner of the account. Golden 1 will make a one-time deposit of $100 into the Share Savings account of each scholarship recipient.
**Immediate family members and dependents of Golden 1 Board/Committee members and Vice Presidents and above are excluded from the Scholarship Program. For purposes of the scholarship program, immediate family member includes spouse, registered domestic partner, sibling, child, in-law, or step-relation. Dependents of other Golden 1 employees are eligible to apply for a scholarship under the category of Golden 1 employee dependents.
1Message and data rates may apply. Check with your mobile provider.
2Learning Lab site requires registration.
