TruMark Financial Opens Applications for 2026 Difference Makers Scholarship

TruMark Financial Credit Union has launched the application process for its third annual Difference Makers Scholarship, aimed at recognizing high school seniors who are making a significant impact in their communities through their work with local nonprofits. This initiative not only offers financial support to students but also enhances the contributions made to the nonprofit organizations they collaborate with, as stated in a recent press release.

In total, 10 scholarships will be awarded in 2026, with monetary prizes of $7,500 for the first-place winner, $4,000 for the second-place recipient, and $3,000 for the third. Students placing fourth through tenth will receive $350 each. Additionally, a donation of $350 will be made to the nonprofit organization affiliated with each of the ten finalists.

Application Criteria and Evaluation

To qualify for the 2026 Difference Makers Scholarship, applicants must meet several criteria. They should be high school seniors intending to pursue education at a college, university, trade school, or certificate program. Furthermore, they must have completed a volunteer project through a nonprofit organization or one they have independently established. A sponsoring teacher is required to support their application, and applicants must reside in one of the five counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia.

While membership at TruMark Financial is not necessary at the time of application, scholarship recipients will need to become members before receiving their award. Applicants are also required to complete financial education video modules available on the TruMark website, which are provided by Greenlight, a mobile money app designed for families.

Evaluation of applicants will be based on the impact and reach of their volunteer work, the number of verified volunteer hours, the scalability of their projects, and their storytelling ability in describing their initiatives. A personal essay is also part of the application process, as specified by TruMark.

The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2026. Interested candidates can find more information and submit their applications at www.trumarkonline.org/difference-makers-scholarship.

Highlighting Last Year’s Achievements

Last year’s scholarship winners showcased how personal motivation, creativity, and volunteerism can effectively address pressing community needs. Notably, all three top scholarship awards were claimed by students from Bucks County. The first-place winner, Jyotirmai Kadiyala from the Pennsbury School District’s STEM Academy, developed Pat on the Back, a therapeutic silicone hand model aimed at providing comfort during depressive episodes.

Devlyn Faber, the second-place recipient from Central Bucks School District, transformed a middle school fundraiser into a long-term commitment to The For the Love of Grace Foundation, organizing awareness events and fundraising activities to support children battling pediatric cancer. The third-place winner, Cole Marozsan from Neshaminy High School, dedicated his efforts to assisting families affected by cancer through his work with The Breathing Room Foundation, creating a school-wide initiative via the National Honor Society.

Founded in 1939, TruMark Financial Credit Union is headquartered in Upper Dublin Township, Montgomery County, and serves over 145,000 members across Southeastern Pennsylvania with 24 branches located in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.