GWLN Scholarship Program

 

Scholarship Program Overview

As part of our mission to empower women in leadership in credit unions worldwide, the Global Women's Leadership Network offers an annual scholarship program to female leaders from the global credit union industry. Learning opportunities are made available to scholars through in person and virtual events so they can diversify skill sets, engage with other credit union professionals on a global scale and become better prepared to lead financial cooperatives in the future.

Scholarships are made possible through funding from GWLN memberships and industry champion sponsorships. Past champions that have generously supported the scholarship program include: One AZ Credit Union, Origence, TruStage, Velera.

These annual awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated leadership and exemplify a commitment to improving lives in their communities through the work of their credit unions/financial cooperatives.

 

The 2026 GWLN Scholarship Award

The 2026 GWLN scholarship will award up to five (5) winners the opportunity to attend the World Council of Credit Unions largest credit union event, the World Credit Union Conference (WCUC) which will take place July 19-22, 2026 in Sydney, Australia at the International Convention Centre (ICC Sydney).

WCUC represents the world’s largest gathering of credit union and financial cooperative leaders and industry professionals. Scholarship recipients will connect with the pulse of our global movement through learning, networking and exchange.

The 2026 GWLN scholars receive:

  • 2026 WCUC full conference registration
  • Roundtrip airfare and
  • Hotel accommodations to attend 2026 WCUC.

Scholars will participate in all GWLN events, connect with scholarship champions, GWLN members and Sister Society leaders, and engage with conference attendees throughout WCUC. Focusing on professional development, scholars engage in interactive dialogue sessions, expand their knowledge and grow professional relationships. 

In 2026, GWLN will host a GWLN Lunch and Learn event, as well as additional breakout learning and networking sessions during the week.

 

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the GWLN scholarship, individuals must:

  • Be women who are currently active in the credit union movement, either as an employee and/or as a volunteer with a credit union or a financial cooperative.
  • Demonstrate a personal commitment and the potential to influence credit unions/financial cooperatives within or outside their country.
  • Demonstrate a leadership contribution to their credit union, community, and credit union system.
  • Be endorsed by a credit union, cooperative financial institution or national/regional association that is either a member of the World Council of Credit Unions or is affiliated with one of its members. A list of World Council member organizations can be found here.
  • Not have been a previous GWLN scholarship recipient (last four years).

Scholarship Recipient Responsibilities

  • GWLN scholars are required to attend all GWLN-specific events during 2026 WCUC (Forum, Breakout Sessions).
  • GWLN scholars are strongly encouraged to document international engagement in social media, actively engage during GWLN events and become active participants in GWLN activities throughout the year.
  • Scholarship winners will provide a presentation to GWLN members, Sister Society leaders and supporters in Q4. This will showcase the progress and growth in their financial cooperative/credit union/community as a GWLN Scholar.
  • Scholars are strongly encouraged to attend other Sister Society meetings, in person in their home country or virtually, connecting with Sister Societies and sharing experiences.
  • Scholarship recipients and their sponsoring organizations will sign a commitment letter recognizing these responsibilities. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the scholarship.
  • The ability to obtain and receive a visa in a timely manner may be a requirement of your experience. Please plan ahead. If you are selected to attend and you are unable to obtain your visa you may be unable to attend an in person event as a GWLN Scholar.

Application portal goes live on January 5, 2026!

Evaluation and Timeline

An evaluation panel (GWLN advisory committee, Sister Society leaders and staff) will review applications based upon the criteria noted in the eligibility requirements.

January 5, 2026: GWLN scholarship portal opens.

January 30, 2026: Application Submission Deadline. GWLN scholarship portal closes.

February 2026: 2026 GWLN scholarship winners announced.

Previous Scholarship Recipients

Since 2009, GWLN has awarded 108 scholarships to women from 34 countries. See previous GWLN scholarship recipients by country. 

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