Routing #: 291480141
BIG GOALS DESERVE STRONG SUPPORT!
Apply for an Explorers Credit Union scholarship January 2–March 14.
If you are a member of Explorers Credit Union and high school senior in pursuit of higher education, then we have (6) scholarship opportunities for you!
Explorers CU Education Scholarships
Explorers Credit Union exists to support, educate, encourage, and inspire our members to reach every financial goal. And since we are all driven to make an impact, we have established two scholarship programs to help you on your journey.
2026-2027 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
(5) SCHOLARSHIPS | $2,500 EACH : For graduating high school seniors who are members of Explorers CU.
(1) Jon Economy Business Scholarship | $2,500 : For a graduating senior pursuing a degree in business, economics, or finance.
2026-2027 Topic: The Explorers Promise is to support, educate, encourage, and inspire our members and communities to reach their goals and never stop exploring.
Share a story or experience from your life that demonstrates how you have embraced this promise. How have you supported or educated others, encouraged someone to reach their goals, or inspired your community to explore new opportunities? What impact did this have on you and those around you?
High School Scholarship:
- We are committed to helping our members build a strong financial foundation today for a better tomorrow. Each year, we will present five (5) $2,500 scholarships to Explorers CU members graduating high school and in pursuit of higher education.
Requirements for High School Scholarship:
Completed Application Personal written essay or video on the 2026-2027 Topic Letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or community leader Proof of college acceptance Recent high-resolution photo (digital image preferred at 300 dpi)- Sealed high school or college transcript mailed to Explorers CU
- Personal Essay/Video Requirements:
- Maximum of 500-word essay or 2 minute or less video describing how the phrase “Never Stop Exploring” has helped you continue to make an impact in the year 2025.
- This $2,500 scholarship is named in memory of one of our past board members, Jon Economy, who had a thirst for knowledge, loved a good debate, and was passionate about financial education. The Jon Economy Business Scholarship will recognize an Explorers CU student member that is pursuing higher education in the business, economics, or financial field.
Requirements for Jon Economy Business Scholarship:
- Completed Application Personal written essay or video on the 2026-2027 Topic Letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or community leader Proof of college acceptance Recent high-resolution photo (digital image preferred at 300 dpi)
- Sealed high school or college transcript mailed to Explorers CU
Qualifications for all Explorer Scholarships:
- Active Explorers CU Member in good standing
- Minimum of 3.5 GPA or higher 2026/2027 Graduating high school senior enrolled in the Explorers CU field of membership (Nebraska Counties: Antelope, Boone, Boyd, Cedar, Cuming, Dakota, Holt, Knox, Madison, Pierce, Platte, Stanton, Thurston, Wayne, and Wheeler. South Dakota Counties: Aurora, Bon Homme, Charles Mix, Clay, Davison, Douglas, Hanson, Hutchinson, Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, Turner, Union, and Yankton)
Completed Applications and Supporting Documents may be provided to us by dropping off in person, by email or mail to:
- Explorers CU, Attention : Explorers CU Education Scholarships
- Email: marketing@explorerscu.com
- Mailing Address: PO Box 704, Yankton, SD 57078
Congratulations to Our Previous Scholars!
We’re proud to celebrate our past high school scholarship recipients who dared to dream big and set their sights on new horizons.
Keep exploring, achieving, and blazing trails toward your goals—you inspire us all!
2025
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:
Gram Gause – Bon Homme H.S.
Jackson Kaul – Bon Homme H.S.
Landon Schmidt – Bon Homme H.S.
Mya Wickersham – Parkston H.S.
Payton Hellmann – Bon Homme H.S.
Porter Cuka –Yankton H.S.
2024
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:
Elizabeth Novak – Yankton H.S.
Alexis Klimek – Yankton H.S.
Erin Heusinkveld – Bon Homme H.S.
Payton Moser – Yankton H.S.
Quincy Gaskins – Yankton H.S.
Brynn Kenney – Yankton H.S.
2023
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:
Damien Magnuson – Yankton H.S.
Hunter Wilson – Tea Area H.S.
Jaden Kortan – Bon Homme H.S.
Dawson Vellek – Yankton H.S.
Braylen Bietz – Yankton H.S.
2023
JON ECONOMY BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT:
Kimberly Tolsma – Avon High School
2022
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:
Hannah Jussel – Yankton H.S.
Kaylee Updegraff – Roosevelt H.S.
Corrigan Johnke – Yankton H.S.
Madisyn Bietz – Yankton H.S.
Elijah Upton – Yankton H.S.
2022
JON ECONOMY BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT:
Ellie Novak – Yankton H.S.
2024
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:
Elizabeth Novak – Yankton H.S.
Alexis Klimek – Yankton H.S.
Erin Heusinkveld – Bon Homme H.S.
Payton Moser – Yankton H.S.
Quincy Gaskins – Yankton H.S.
Brynn Kenney – Yankton H.S.
2023
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:
Damien Magnuson – Yankton H.S.
Hunter Wilson – Tea Area H.S.
Jaden Kortan – Bon Homme H.S.
Dawson Vellek – Yankton H.S.
Braylen Bietz – Yankton H.S.
2023
JON ECONOMY BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT:
Kimberly Tolsma – Avon High School
2022
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:
Hannah Jussel – Yankton H.S.
Kaylee Updegraff – Roosevelt H.S.
Corrigan Johnke – Yankton H.S.
Madisyn Bietz – Yankton H.S.
Elijah Upton – Yankton H.S.
2022
JON ECONOMY BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT:
Ellie Novak – Yankton H.S.
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