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One girl can make a difference
A Scholarship for Sonoma County Girls with Brilliant Ideas 

Are you an entrepreneurial girl with a great idea, project or community program making an impact in Sonoma County? Whether it's in the arts, STEM, or humanities, we want to hear from you! The facts show, The GIRL EFFECT is REAL! Girls create a ripple effect. They graduate, start businesses, become CEOs, and become leaders in their communities! In 2021, only 2% of all startups were solely female owned. We'd like to help Sonoma County grow those numbers!  

We are eager to offer 
2 local senior girls,
$2,500 scholarships, 
for the 2023-2024 school year.
​Exclusively for girls ready to embark on their entrepreneurial education. 

Who We Are

 Branches in Lake, Marin, Mendocino,
Napa & ​Sonoma Counties
Here at Community First Credit Union we walk our talk! We keep locally deposited money repurposed locally, to do good for our members, employees and LOCAL communities. We purchase locally and help fellow LOCAL non-profits.

​In 2020, we met Sonoma County high school senior, Chloe Cullen, who inspired us with her "Girl Effect" fundraising campaign to sponsor girls education in Rwanda. Together, we decided to take her idea, bring it to our local community and launch The Girl Effect Scholarship - Sonoma County style! 

Who is Eligible

Important Dates
We are looking for high school senior girls who are doers, thinkers and go-getters - girls who possess an entrepreneurial spirit, have become leaders, have a great idea and have started a community program and/or business. 
                  April 1, 2023 -  Applications open 
                  May 1, 2023  -  Application deadline
​                  June 15, 2023 - Decisions announced

Application Details

 During the application period, please email us the items below (in one combined pdf form) to: GirlEffect@comfirstcu.org
 You will receive a confirmation of receipt and your application will be carefully reviewed by our esteemed panel of local female business leaders.
  • Resume. Please include all extracurricular activities, honors & awards, community service, and work experience.
  • Copy of official high school transcripts.  
  • ​List of colleges you have applied to.
  • A 500 word essay or less. Tell us about your entrepreneurial spirit. We want to learn what you are passionate about, how your big idea was born, how you’ve harnessed your enthusiasm to make it grow and where do you expect to take it. How does our community benefit? How will higher education help you towards your goals?​

Scholarship Detail and Rules

To be eligible to apply you must agree and meet the following criteria:
  • Two senior high school students will each be awarded with a $2,500 scholarship​ for the 2023-2024 school year.
  • Applicants must be U.S. citizen, a senior enrolled in a Sonoma County high school, and reside in Sonoma County.
  • All scholarship recipients must be planning to attend a four-year university/state college or a two-year community college in the fall.
  • The scholarships will be paid upon us receiving a copy of your "verification of enrollment" into your chosen college or university.  
  • It will be paid directly to each of the two recipients.
  • Community First Credit Union employees, clients, partners and their families, are not eligible to apply.
  • All decisions of the selection committee are final and are not subject to appeal.
  • Selected recipients authorize their name and image to be shared publicly in Community First Credit Union marketing materials.