United Heritage H. Ralph Wilburn Memorial Scholarship
The United Heritage Charity Foundation awards college scholarship funds to high school seniors who best exemplify the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.” The Charity Foundation recognizes it's important for students to have a well-rounded scholastic, extra-curricular, community service and character building experience throughout their high school careers. We have developed an application and selection process to find these extraordinary students each year. Two deserving students will each be awarded a $10,000 scholarship towards higher education in the Fall.

Katelynn Bates
2025 Scholarship Recipient
Congratulations to Katelynn Bates, one of two 2025 United Heritage H. Ralph Wilburn Memorial Scholarship recipients! The $10,000 was awarded to Katelynn Bates of Fate, Texas on Thursday, July 31 at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas where the Round Rock Express minor league baseball team plays. Katelynn was selected from a competitive pool of applicants located across the state of Texas. The committee's decision was based on their exceptional academic achievements, their essay response and their embodiment of the credit union philosophy, "People Helping People." Katelynn is an outstanding student known for her academic excellence and compassion. She'll attend the University of Texas at Tyler to pursue a degree in Nursing, with plans to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. United Heritage wishes you the best on your college journey, Katelynn!
Gino Burke
2025 Scholarship Recipient
Congratulations to Gino Burke, one of two 2025 United Heritage H. Ralph Wilburn Memorial Scholarship recipients! The $10,000 was awarded to Gino Burke of Pflugerville, Texas on Sunday, August 3 at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas where the Round Rock Express minor league baseball team plays. Gino was selected from a competitive pool of applicants located across the state of Texas. The committee's decision was based on their exceptional academic achievements, their essay response and their embodiment of the credit union philosophy, "People Helping People." Gino is an outstanding student known for his academic excellence and compassion. He'll attend the University of Texas to pursue his interest in energy and earth resources, including environmental law and conservation efforts. United Heritage wishes you the best on your college journey, Gino!

What are the Required Additional Documents?
Scholastic Achievements
All honors courses, AP courses, college prep courses, etc.
Extracurricular Activities
All extracurricular activities you participated in during the past 4 years (e.g., student government, music/ band, drill team, sports, etc.). Describe your participation in each activity. Also include the number of hours per month invested in each endeavor, the total hours for each, and a grand total of hours for all for all extracurricular activities. Include any leadership positions held and any special awards received. Please do not list any paid work.
Community Service Involvement
All volunteer community service activities you have participated in during the past 4 years (e.g., Red Cross, hospital volunteer, recycling project, food kitchen, etc.). Describe your participation in each activity. Also include the number of hours per month invested in each endeavor, the total hours for each, and a grand total of hours for all community and civic service. Include any leadership positions held and any special awards received. Please do not list any paid work.
Unofficial School Transcript
An unofficial school transcript is also required. This can either be uploaded with the applicant's application or sent separately by the school. It should show details from the applicant's full high school record up to as close to the application date as possible.
Essay
Applicants must complete one essay. Your essay should not exceed 1000 words. Please type this essay on a separate document and upload it with your online application. The topics your essay should cover are included below.
Your essay must cover 1 of the 2 topics below:
- Explain your financial need and why you should be considered for this scholarship.
- How have you contributed to your community and how has it impacted you personally?
- Share a time you failed and learned from it.
- Share a time you stepped up as a leader.
- What are your academic (or professional) goals?
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
Submit two letters of recommendation.
- From a supervisor/teacher with a school affiliation to the applicant
- From a supervisor of a community service or other organization the applicant is/was a part of during their high school career
Start Your Scholarship Application
Complete Scholarship Application
Before You Start - Be sure you've downloaded the Scholarship Activities WorkbookYou will need to complete this document and upload it within the application form.