Brayman-Beach Scholarship (UA)

Investing in Colorado youth, and in turn, the future of the credit union movement

The Brayman-Beach Scholarship is named in honor of Susan J. Brayman and Carroll D. Beach, two visionary leaders of the credit union movement whose contributions have made a lasting mark. This unique scholarship opportunity celebrates their commitment to our community by investing in Colorado youth and, in turn, the future of the credit union movement. This scholarship is awarded annually to applicants seeking a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Eligibility

• Be at least 16 years of age at the time of application
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be a member of a Colorado credit union at the time of applying for scholarship with the ability to provide proof of membership
• Complete the FAFSA/CAFSA by February 27, 2026
• Pursing a degree in business (major or minor)
• Will be enrolled at an accredited, 4-year post-secondary institution located within the U.S. in the fall of 2026

Selection criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Academic performance
• Extracurricular and community activities
• Reference(s)
• Financial need
• Personal and professional goals

Award details

• Scholarship Range: $5,000
• Typical number of annual awards: 2
• This scholarship is a one-time award. However, past recipients and applicants are encouraged to reapply each year in a competitive process (while pursuing an undergraduate degree). Previous recipients are not guaranteed an award upon re-application. An individual may only receive an award from this fund up to a total of five times.
• Award amounts may be used toward the recipient’s tuition, fees, and room and board
• All scholarships will be paid directly to a recipient’s post-secondary institution. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s post-secondary institution
• Award must be used for the upcoming academic year
• Applications will not be considered unless they are completed in full, all requested documentation is provided, and the applicant is a member of a Colorado credit union at the time of applying.

How to apply

1. Read through the eligibility criteria above to confirm you meet the requirements for this scholarship
2. Log into TDF Scholarship Manager and apply for the Universal Scholarship
3. Prepare and submit the following items:
   1. List of all extracurricular activities, community volunteering opportunities, and paid/unpaid work experiences you have had
   2. Transcript
   3. Documentation confirming the applicant is a current member of a Colorado credit union
   4. Email address for 2 recommendations
      1. One community recommendation
      2. One academic recommendation
   5. Response to the following prompt(s):
      1. You have been selected as one of the two finalists to run a newly chartered credit union that serves members under 25 years old. To be named CEO, you must discuss your creative ideas that will allow you to achieve several lofty goals by the end of the year. Using one of the options listed, please explain the strategies you would use to meet the objective established by the Board of Directors. (3,000 characters or approximately 500 words)
         • Option 1: Attract and hire the most innovative and energetic employees, with a budget that only allows for average salaries
         • Option 2: Create and implement new products and services that will drive growth and revenue
         • Option 3: Attract members and potential members to financial literacy classes that are not held in conjunction with the local schools or colleges
         • Option 4: Develop a plan to collaborate with community leaders and businesses that will increase credit union market share

Applications will not be considered unless they are completed in full, all requested documentation is provided, and the applicant is a member of a Colorado credit union at the time of applying.

Photo credit: MSU Denver/Alyson McClaran