CSE Member Scholarships
CSE Federal Credit Union was created in 1938 by a group of 14 school teachers in the halls of the old McKinley High School. In the years since, financial education has been a staple in our credit union’s core values and business model. We are proud to be able to put more resources towards education by continuing the CSE Federal Credit Union Scholarship Fund.
In 2022, our scholarship was renamed to the Barnes Family Educational Scholarship to honor the family legacy of our former President and CEO, R. Stanley Barnes and his family. The Barnes Family has been around CSE Federal Credit Union since the beginning. In fact, Stan’s grandfather, J.R. Barnes, was one of the original 14 charter members who formed the credit union back in 1938. Stan’s father, Richard (Dick) Barnes was involved in the credit union as a Board Member for 10 years and a credit union advocate for his entire life, and Stan was President and CEO from 1994 until his retirement in 2021. It’s a natural fit to name our scholarship after the Barnes Family. Education is in their DNA – Stan’s grandfather and father were both educators in the Canton City School District.
Overview
CSE will present five (5) $1,000 Scholarships for post-secondary education in 2026.
Submit your Application between Friday, January 2, 2026 and Monday, March 2, 2026.
2026 Prompt
"If money could be a character in your life, how would it tell your story?"
Would it brag about your priorities, crack jokes about your spending habits, push you toward your goals, or challenge you to grow? Show us what money would say about who you are, what matters most to you, and the role it plays in your journey.
Be creative! Your video doesn’t have to be fancy – we just want your story, your personality, and your imagination. Talk to the camera, act out a scene, animate or draw, create a skit, show moments from your world, or get other people involved to help you out!
Hint: Think TikTok, Facebook/Instagram Reels, etc. And, as an example, you might imagine money as a hype-friend cheering you on, a sarcastic narrator roasting your snack budget, or a quiet guide helping you stay focused on your goals…you decide, and share it with us!
Apply Now
Eligibility
Any CSE Federal Credit Union member can apply, but must be enrolled in a program of study at an accredited university, college, or private vocational/technical program in the United States, pursuing one of the following:
- Graduate-level degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Associate degree
- Certificate of program completion
Congratulations to our 2025 Scholarship Winners!
Thank you to all members who submitted videos applications. Many of them could have been a winning entry. The 6th Annual Barnes Family Educational Scholarship Video Contest winners have been announced and we couldn't be more excited for these four individuals who answered the question:
"Create a 30 – 60 second video for social media sharing the best financial tips you’ve learned from the people who inspire you most – family, friends, mentors, or community members. Highlight their unique advice and show how it has impacted or will impact your financial journey"
Hint: Think TikTok, Facebook/Instagram Reels, etc.
Congratulations to Claire C., Jaron H., Ethan K. and Ryan P.
Past Winners
2024: Cassandra R., Ethan K., Hannah R., Micah R.
2023: Corbin W., Hannah R., Siena P., Stiles D.
2022: Corbin W., Hannah M., Siena P., Whisper J.
2021: Corbin W., Michael G., Rachel P., Whisper J.
2020: Jack B., Matthew H., Whisper J., Klaire V.