Become a Member  | Make a Payment | Schedule Appointment | Apply for loan

ONLINE BANKING

Scholarship Program

A young woman wearing a graduation cap, burgundy stole, and black off-shoulder top smiles joyfully while standing outdoors in front of a brick building.
Apply Today

RVA Financial $1,000 Future Builders Scholarship

Invest in your next chapter.

RVA Financial is proud to support the dreams of graduating seniors and the next generation of builders, creators, and leaders. Our $1,000 Future Builders Scholarship is awarded to one recent high school graduate to help cover educational expenses for college or trade school.
 
Whether you’re headed to a four-year university, community college, or a skilled-trade program, we’re cheering you on—and we’d love to help you get there.
 
Scholarship Award
    • Amount: $1,000
    • Number of Awards: 1
    • Use of Funds: Tuition, fees, books, tools, supplies, or other approved education-related expenses
    • Paid: Scholarship funds will be issued directly to the school/program upon verification of enrollment.
 

Who Can Apply

Three graduates in caps and gowns sit on outdoor steps, smiling and holding up their diplomas. Trees and greenery are in the background, creating a celebratory and joyful atmosphere.
Eligibility Requirements
 
Applicants must:
  • Be a recent high school graduate (within the past 12 months)
  • Plan to enroll full-time or part-time in an accredited college, university, community college, or trade/technical school for the upcoming term
  • Reside in the City of Richmond or the surrounding counties
  • Have a minimum GPA of  3.0 (unweighted) or provide proof of good academic standing
  • Demonstrate good character, community involvement, or leadership potential
  • Be a member of RVA Financial or open an account before applying

Not a member? Become a member today.

Become a Member Today

How to Apply

Submit the following items:

    1. Completed Application Form – Include your contact info, high school, graduation date, and intended program/school.
    2. Personal Essay (500–750 words)

Choose one prompt:

    • Prompt A: Describe your educational or career goal and how trade school/college will help you get there.
    • Prompt B: Tell us about a challenge you’ve overcome and what it taught you about persistence and growth.
    • Prompt C: What does financial wellness mean to you at this stage of life?

3. Unofficial Transcript or GPA Verification A screenshot from your student portal is acceptable

4. One Letter of Recommendation – From a teacher, counselor, coach, employer, mentor, or community leader.

5. Proof of Acceptance or Intent to Enroll – If you’re still waiting on acceptance letters, you may submit proof later.

How to Submit

Email us or drop by the branch to pick up an application.
 
Important Dates
• Applications Open: [Month Day, 2026]
  • Application Deadline: [Month Day, 2026] at 11:59 PM
  • Finalist Notification: [Month Day, 2026]
  • Winner Announced: [Month Day, 2026]
  • Funds Disbursed: After enrollment is verified for [Fall 2026 / upcoming term]

Winner Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a scholarship committee based on:
 
  • Essay content and clarity (40%)
  • Goals and motivation (20%)
  • Community involvement / leadership / work experience (20%) • Academic effort and performance (20%)
We value heart, hustle, and direction—not just perfect grades.
 

Details and Guidelines

The scholarship is open to students pursuing college or skilled trades, including programs such as:

1

Welding, HVAC, electrical, plumbing

2

Automotive, CDL, culinary, cosmetology

3

Healthcare certifications

4

Community college, university, or accredited certification programs

Apply Now

Ready to build your future? We can’t wait to meet you.
 

RVA Financial reserves the right to modify or cancel the scholarship program at any time. Scholarship award is subject to verification of eligibility and enrollment. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Scholarship funds are non-transferable and must be used for education-related expenses. Decisions of the scholarship committee are final. 

RVA Scholarship Program

Apply Now

Apply Here
1700 Robin Hood Road
Richmond, VA 23220

Banking should feel easy,
and with us, it is.

Download Mobile App
Android | iPhone

 Call anytime 24/7
(804) 359-8754

Follow us!

Tap or scan
with your mobile device.

Facebook Youtube Instagram Linkedin Tiktok

Routing # 251082495    |    NMLS#523374  |  Privacy Policy

If you are using a screen reader or other auxiliary aid and are having problems using this website, please call 804-359-8754 for assistance. All products and services available on this website are available at all RVA Financial Federal Credit Union full-service locations.

1 Rate effective as of 02/01/2026. Vehicle value is based on MSRP or by a source approved by us. Your APR is based on our internal credit criteria. Listed APRs assume excellent credit and include discounts. Members may be eligible for up to 2 of 3 available discounts (up to a 1% APR rate discount), which includes a 0.50% discount for an approved automated payment method, a .50% discount for a loan-to-value (LTV) that is 100% or less, and 0.50% discount for Loyalty for members who have had a loan with us within the last five years or membership history of 10+ years. Subject to credit and collateral approval. Minimum and maximum loan amounts apply. Ask us about other APR and longer term options. Please contact us for specific terms, rates, available discounts, and information about loans originated at dealerships that participate in our Preferred Dealer Network.

2 Rate effective as of 02/01/2026. Minimum and maximum loan amounts or credit limits apply. Your APR will be determined based on our internal credit criteria. Listed APRs assume excellent credit and include discounts. Members may be eligible for up to 2 available discounts (up to a 1% APR rate discount), which includes a 0.50% discount for an approved automated payment method, and a 0.50% discount for Loyalty for members who have had a loan with us within the last five years or membership history of 10+ years. Subject to credit approval. Minimum and maximum loan amounts apply. Ask us about other APR and longer term options. Please contact us for specific terms, rates, available discounts.

3 Standard APRs for purchases and balance transfers will apply and is subject to change. We will begin charging interest on balance transfers on the transaction dates. Earn 1% cash back up to $50 monthly, $600 annually on purchases. Cash back is redeemed to share savings at month end. 1% not earned on interest, fees, cash advances, balance transfers, and must be current. RVA Financial is not responsible for any charge owed to any creditor because a payment was not applied by a specific date. RVA Financial also reserves the right to decline any balance transfer request and may decline any that exceed the available credit limit. View our Card Agreement & Disclosure Statement for more information. Subject to credit approval. Minimum and maximum credit limits apply.