Scholarships
Investing in our young people is always a smart move
TAPCO scholarships recognize and reward exceptional students who demonstrate leadership traits, a commitment to public service, and a desire to make a difference within their schools and communities.
Each is worth $2,500 for students pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree or Vocational Certification
The 2026 Scholarship application process will open October 1, 2025, with a submission deadline of December 1, 2025.
At TAPCO Credit Union, we believe in doing our part to make college more affordable for exceptional students with high educational goals. Academic achievement is an important stepping stone toward career success.
The 2026 Scholarship Application will open October 1, 2025. Applications will be due by December 1, 2025.
Scholarship awards will be announced at the Annual Meeting in March 2026. Scholarship funds will be disbursed to your school's Financial Aid Office.
TAPCO's Memorial Scholarship
TAPCO Credit Union is, above all, committed to serving those who serve our local community. In that spirit, we proudly dedicate scholarships to honor the memory of Jeanne Werner-Spaulding Memorial and Richard J. Williams, both of whom are distinguished former TAPCO Board Members who worked tirelessly to support important causes in our community.
In Honor of Jeanne Werner-Spaulding
Honoring the enduring legacy of a veteran leader and trailblazing woman in the animal welfare profession. Jeanne Werner-Spaulding, a respected member of the Tacoma business community, was known for her dedication to the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County, where she served for over 30 years, contributing significantly to its growth and success. She was a great supporter of SAWA, the Society for Animal Welfare Administrators, an active member of Rotary, and served for many years on TAPCO's Board of Directors.
In Honor of Richard J. Williams
Honoring the enduring legacy of Mr. Williams and his unwavering commitment to justice, service, and leadership. Richard J. Williams served the Tacoma Police Department (TPD) for over 27 years, retiring at the rank of captain in 1998. Throughout his distinguished career, he demonstrated remarkable courage, earning two Medals of Valor for acts of heroism. While climbing the ranks in TPD, Richard found time to be a member TAPCO's Board of Directors, even being elected Chair for a period of time. In all, he devoted 24 years of service to TAPCO as a Board Member.
Scholarship Eligibility & Requirements
1) Each applicant must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the 2026 scholarship:
- Applicant must be a member of TAPCO and primary accountholder at the time of the application submission. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or goes to school in Washington State.
- Please contact [email protected] if you have a hardship that limits your ability to open and/or fund a TAPCO membership account.
- Eligible students can be high school seniors graduating from a Washington state high school in 2025 with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better, based on a 4.0 scale.
- Eligible students can be enrolled undergraduate or vocational students with accumulative GPA of 2.50 or better, based on a 4.0 scale.
- Completed application forms must be submitted with the most recent copy of your transcripts (unofficial or official).
- Submit a completed and signed application packet to TAPCO Credit Union no later than (postmarked by) December 1, 2025, and include all required application components. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please submit the completed form and any attachments to [email protected] or mail in to 6312 19th St W, Tacoma, WA 98466.
2) Notification to the scholarship recipients will be mailed shortly after the decision, along with an invitation to be recognized and attend TAPCO’s Annual Membership Meeting in March 2026. The scholarship winners will be notified in March 2026. Winners will be announced at the Annual Membership Meeting and will be published in the summer issue of the “Common Cents” member newsletter.
3) Each award recipient will be required to submit a photo and their name and photo may be used for public relations purposes and Credit Union material. Signed permission must be obtained at the time of application submission (see attached Release Form).
4) Scholarships will be payable no later than July 31, 2026. Each recipient’s award check will be sent directly to the college/university or vocational school of their choice.
5) TAPCO Credit Union Board Members, Supervisory Committee Members, and employees, as well as their immediate families, are ineligible for scholarships.