TruMark Financial Credit Union accepting applications for 2026 Difference Makers Scholarship

TruMark Financial Credit Union is accepting applications for its third annual Difference Makers Scholarship. The program recognizes high school seniors who are making a difference in their communities through their work with area nonprofits.

While the Difference Makers Scholarship program supports students financially, it also contributes to the nonprofit organizations the students partner with — which amplifies their collective impact, according to a press release.

A total of 10 scholarship awards will be presented in 2026. Top scholarship awards include $7,500 for first place, $4,000 for second, and $3,000 for third. Students that place fourth through tenth place, will receive $350. In addition, a $350 donation will be made to the nonprofit organization associated with each of the 10 student finalists.

Application Details

To be eligible for the 2026 Difference Makers Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be high school seniors planning to attend a college, university, trade school, or certificate program
• Have completed a volunteer project, either through a nonprofit organization or one they created independently
• Have a sponsoring teacher who supports their application
• Reside in one of the five counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania — Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia — which would make them eligible for membership at TruMark Financial.
• Complete required financial education video modules via the TruMark website, provided by Greenlight, a debit card and mobile money app for families.
  
  

While applicants are not required to be members of TruMark Financial at the time of application, the scholarship recipients will be required to become members before receiving their award.

Students will be evaluated based on the impact and reach of their work, number of verified volunteer hours, scalability of the project, and storytelling ability in describing their initiative, along with completion of the required financial education components. A personal essay is also required, TruMark said.

The deadline for applications is April 30, 2026. To learn more or submit an application, visit www.trumarkonline.org/difference-makers-scholarship.

“Last year’s recipients demonstrated how personal inspiration, innovation, and volunteerism can intersect to address serious community needs,” the release stated. All three of last year’s top scholarships were from Bucks County, according to the release.

First place winner Jyotirmai Kadiyala from Pennsbury School District’s STEM Academy, created Pat on the Back, a therapeutic silicone hand model designed to provide comfort during depressive episodes.

Second place winner Devlyn Faber of Central Bucks School District, turned a middle school fundraiser into an enduring commitment to The For the Love of Grace Foundation, organizing awareness events and fundraisers to support children fighting pediatric cancer.

Third place winner Cole Marozsan  from Neshaminy High School, supported families battling cancer through his work with The Breathing Room Foundation, channeling his volunteer efforts into a school-wide initiative through the National Honor Society.

Founded in 1939, TruMark Financial Credit Union has its headquarters in Upper Dublin Township, Montgomery County, serving more than 145,000 members across Southeastern Pennsylvania. TruMark operates 24 branches in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.