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2026 John Michener Student Scholarship Recipients

Credit Union of America awarded $24,000 in scholarships to 12 student members through the 2026 John Michener Student Scholarship program. Each recipient will receive $2,000 to support their college education.

The John Michener Student Scholarship program honors Credit Union of America’s founder and former educator, John Michener. Founded as a teachers’ credit union in 1935, CUA continues to support education through the program by helping student members pursue their goals and prepare for the future.

Since 2011, the program has awarded more than $225,000 in scholarships to 181 students. To be eligible, applicants had to be 24 or younger, a CUA member, and either a high school senior or an enrolled undergraduate student.

The 2026 recipients were selected for their academic commitment, future goals, and dedication to pursuing higher education. Their chosen fields reflect a wide range of career paths, including health care, engineering, social work, business, public service, and natural resources.

2026 John Michener Student Scholarship Recipients: 

  • Valentina Banales Jaramillo, Wichita, Kansas – Wichita State University, Mechanical Engineering major.
  • Zoe Chan, Wichita, Kansas – University of Kansas, Applied Behavioral Sciences and Human Biology major.
  • Emily Merseal, Clearwater, Kansas – Friends University, Marketing and Business Administration major.
  • Layla Mora, Wichita, Kansas – Wichita State University, Nursing major.
  • Kennady Phillips, Conway Springs, Kansas – Washburn University, Nursing major.
  • Ismail Saeed, Wichita, Kansas – Wichita State University, Political Science major.
  • Madalyn Schrag, Wichita, Kansas – Wichita State University, Social Work and Ceramic Media major.
  • Itzel Simental, Wichita, Kansas – Wichita State University, Communication Sciences and Disorders major.
  • Michelle Simmons, Salina, Kansas – Kansas Wesleyan University, Social Work and Business Management major.
  • Amelia Uhlschmidt, Bel Aire, Kansas – Wichita State University, Liberal Arts and Sciences major.
  • Haleigh Weber, Goddard, Kansas – Southwestern College, Criminal Justice and Psychology major.
  • Dylan Zimmerman, Wichita, Kansas – Fort Hays State University, Natural Resources Biology and Agronomy major.

Students interested in applying for the 2027 John Michener Student Scholarship can visit CUofAmerica.com/Student for more information. Applications for the 2027 awards will open on November 1, 2026.

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