Scholarships
Helping students achieve life
scholarships for high school and college students
In 1998 we created the Donald K. Rhine Scholarship to honor the legacy of Reliant’s founder and first CEO. Each year, we award scholarships of up to $3,000 to high school and college students who exemplify the credit union philosophy, “people helping people.”
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$22,500
Funds awarded from the Donald K. Rhine scholarship to deserving students in 2024
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$261,750
Funds awarded from the Donald K. Rhine scholarship to deserving students since 1998
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249
Students awarded Donald K. Rhine scholarships since 1998
Applying for our Scholarship
To be considered for the Donald K. Rhine Scholarship you must:
- Be a Reliant member.
- Be a high school senior, a currently enrolled full-time college/university student, or an adult enrolled or enrolling as a full-time college/university student in the 2026-2027 school year.
- Demonstrate the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”
- Play an active role in your community through community service.
- Demonstrate high achievement in your academic performance and activities.
- Complete the application and required essay, letter of reference, and obtain the required transcripts.
Application Deadline: February 6, 2026.
DOWNLOAD APPLICATIONFor more information about the Donald K. Rhine scholarship, email scholarships@reliantcu.com or call us at 800-724-9282. Recipients will be notified by April 30, 2026.
other scholarships we support
NYCUA Statewide Scholarship
The NYCUA scholarships are awarded in amounts ranging between $750 and $1,500 and may be used at a two- or four-year accredited educational institution.
A student applying must:
- Be a Reliant member.
- Be a college-bound high school senior at the time of application.
- Attend either a two- or four-year accredited educational institution for the first time in the fall of 2024.
- Complete the application and required essay, and obtain the required transcripts.
- Sign the paperwork and get the signature of a parent or guardian as well.
Application Deadline: January 9, 2026. The application, transcripts, and essay must be submitted to the NYCUA here.
For more information, email scholarships@reliantcu.com or give us a call at 800-724-9282. Recipients will be notified in May, 2026.
NYCUA Rochester Chapter Scholarship
The Rochester Chapter of the New York Credit Union Association awards a minimum of $10,000 in scholarship funds to outstanding high school seniors.
A student applying must:
- Be a Reliant member.
- Be a college-bound high school senior at the time of application.
- Attend either a two- or four-year accredited educational institution for the first time in the fall of 2026.
- Complete the application and required essay, and obtain the required transcripts.
- Sign the paperwork and get the signature of a parent or guardian as well.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026.
For more information, email scholarships@reliantcu.com or give us a call at 800-724-9282. Recipients will be notified on or before May 1, 2026.
Moore than a Race
In 2010, we started a 5K fundraiser to raise additional money for the Donald K. Rhine scholarship program. Since its inception, the race has raised over $147,500 to support the scholarship program.
Learn more about our impact
Community involvement, member volunteers, local impact — find out more.
