Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Scholarship
TLT Scholarships offer $2,500 to support high school seniors enrolling in 2-year or 4-year colleges.
Because every dream deserves a strong foundation
Applications closed on February 16, 2026
Before you apply, take a moment to review the eligibility qualifications and ensure you’re ready to take the next step toward your future.
Important dates
The scholarship application window closed on February 16, 2026 and will open again next January.
Eligibility for Tomorrow's Leaders Today (TLT) Scholarships
Who was eligible in 2026?
- Be a graduating high school senior with an anticipated graduation date of June 2026
- Have a 3.25 unweighted cumulative GPA or higher
- Oregon State Credit Union member with a TLT Teen Checking account (new members/account holders have until February 1, 2026, to open a membership/TLT account to qualify)
- Attend an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university in the Fall of 2026
Note: Employees of Oregon State Credit Union, members of its Official Family, and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply for or receive the TLT Scholarship. Immediate family includes a spouse, domestic partner, and children living within the same household.
Ready to take the next step?
Plan ahead for the next application window opening in January 2027.
What you’ll need
- Your Oregon State Credit Union member number
- Your current high school unofficial transcript (and, if applicable, any unofficial college transcripts)
- Names of your top college choices
- Contact information for your recommender (someone who knows you well, but is not an immediate family member)
- Details about your volunteer, extracurricular, and work experiences
Knowledge builds confidence — understand the costs of college life
At OSCU, we’re here to help you prepare for every step. Before you apply, take a moment to explore helpful insights about college expenses. And check out our Financial Education Center for articles and tips related to college and personal expenses.
Leadership comes in many forms — here’s how to show yours
At OSCU, we know leadership isn’t just about titles — it’s about making a difference. Whether you’re leading a team or helping at home, your actions matter. The Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Scholarship celebrates students who demonstrate initiative, responsibility, and community spirit in ways big and small.
WHAT COUNTS AS LEADERSHIP?
Leadership can look different for everyone. Here are examples to inspire you:
- Traditional roles
- Serving in student government
- Captaining a sports team
- Organizing a school fundraiser or community event
- Everyday acts
- Caring for siblings and managing family responsibilities
- Helping classmates with homework or mentoring younger students
- Supporting your community — like volunteering at local events or assisting neighbors
Tips to showcase your leadership in this process
Tell Your Story
Use your essay to share real examples of how you’ve made an impact. Be specific — describe what you did and why it mattered.
Highlight Both Big and Small Wins
Don’t overlook everyday responsibilities. Caring for family or helping peers shows responsibility and empathy — qualities that matter.
Connect to Your Future Goals
Explain how these experiences shaped your aspirations and how you’ll continue to lead in college and beyond.
Stay Organized
Gather transcripts, outline your volunteer hours, and reach out to potential recommenders early. Meeting deadlines shows initiative too!
TLT Scholarship FAQ
Get ready to make your application a breeze! Here’s your checklist:
- Your Oregon State Credit Union member number
- Your latest high school transcript (and college transcripts, if you have them)
- The names of your top college picks
- Contact info for your recommender (someone who knows you well, but isn’t a family member)
- Details about your volunteer work, clubs, and jobs
Pro tip: Before you start your essays, check out our College Budget Breakdown—it’s packed with tools to help you plan for college costs.
Opening a TLT checking or savings account is easy! You can do it online or at any OSCU branch. Just make sure your account is active by February 1, 2027, to qualify within next scholarship application window.
The due date for the 2026 application period was February 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM. If your recommender misses the deadline, your application won’t be complete and may not be reviewed.
Tip: Ask early and double-check that they got the email link. Then, follow up and remind them before the deadline!
You’re eligible if you’re headed to an accredited 2- or 4-year college or university. Many trade and technical programs qualify too, just make sure your program is accredited before you apply. If you’re not sure, ask your school or reach out to us.
A scholarship committee will review your application using a scoring rubric that looks at your academics, community involvement, essays, and recommendations.
You’ll get an email with the decision in April — every applicant will be notified, whether you’re selected or not.
If you’re selected for the scholarship, your scholarship award goes straight to your college or university to help cover tuition and fees. If you change schools, let our scholarship team know right away to see if your award can transfer.
If you transfer to another accredited school, contact our scholarship team as soon as possible. We’ll help you figure out if your award can move with you.
Have questions about the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Scholarship?
We’re here to help! Email the Oregon State Credit Union Scholarship Team at TLTscholarship@oregonstatecu.com for any questions or technical issues.