GBU Life (GBU) established a scholarship program in 1962 to encourage and assist members in furthering their education. Funded by the GBU Foundation and voluntary contributions by GBU members, GBU districts and others, this program continues to grow and remains an investment in our economic and social progress.

GBU Foundation scholarship applications will be accepted online at gbufoundation.awardspring.com from January 1, 2023–May 31, 2023.

Eligibility

Those eligible to apply for scholarships must be

• An insured GBU member or annuitant with an active GBU life insurance policy or annuity in force in the year applying. 
• Members of all ages are eligible to apply.
• Must have GPA of 2.75 or above or the equivalent.
• Applicants must plan to be enrolled as a full-time student (or at least part-time student for Graduate recipients) for the fall 2023  term. Every recipient must provide enrollment verification before payment is made. 

GBU Foundation Scholarships

Four-Year Scholarships (4 years)

• For students entering four-year programs leading to a bachelor’s degree.
• $1,500 per year, renewable for up to three years.
• Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship. Applicant must be involved in German-related programs and sports activities to be designated to receive this award. 
• $1,500 per year, renewable for up to three years.
• Clarence O. Affelt Architecture/Fine Art Memorial Scholarship. Applicant must have a declared major in the architecture or fine arts field to be considered for this award.
• $1,000 first year with $500/year renewal for up to three additional years.
• The Mary M. Pocorus Memorial Scholarship, the Frank F. Pocorus Memorial Scholarship, the Dr. Ludger F. Pocorus Memorial Scholarship, and the Ronald Pocorus Scholarship.
• $1,000 first year with $500/year renewal for up to three additional years.

Two-Year Scholarships (2 years)

• For students entering or currently in degree or certificate programs, up to two years in duration, offered by vocational/technical schools, nursing schools, community colleges and similar institutions.
• $1,000 per year, renewable for up to one additional year.

Undergraduate Scholarships (3 years)

• For students already in college programs leading to a bachelor’s degree.
• $1,000 per year renewable for up to two years.

Graduate Scholarships (2 years)

• For students in college graduate degree programs leading to advanced degrees.
• $1,000 per year, renewable for up to one additional year.

GBU Foundation Scholarship Renewals

• Students renewing scholarships will be required to submit a renewal form that includes updates of activities and academic achievements in addition to their transcripts.

GBU Foundation Grant Awards

All eligible applicants who did not receive a GBU Foundation Scholarship are entered in a random drawing in which a predetermined number of one-time $750 GBU Foundation grants are given.

In addition, the following $500 Personal Giving Grants will be awarded: James R. Stoker Memorial Education Fund Grant, James R. Stoker Higher Education Grants (10), John P. Albright Grant, Former District 491–Granite City, Illinois, Grants (2) and the Former District 496–Gill Hall, Pennsylvania, Grant.

Important Notes

• While applicants may submit their GBU Foundation scholarship application online at any time between January 1-May 31, they must provide an official, final spring 2023 transcript for their application to be reviewed. 
• Notification will be by gbufoundation.awardspring.com email and by mail.
• Funds covering GBU Foundation Scholarship and Grant awards are remitted directly to the accredited school as a payment toward tuition and fees.
• Visit gbufoundation.awardspring.com for complete details and to complete your GBU Foundation scholarship application.

High School Freshman Grants

The GBU High School Freshman Grant program is designed to assist eighth-grade GBU members with associated costs in their transition into the high school curriculum. High School Freshman Grants of $250 are to be used for expenses necessary for the student’s educational needs.

Applicants must be an insured or annuitant GBU member and enrolled in eighth grade.

Students must complete a High School Freshman Grant application at inside.gbu.org/benefits#Scholarship between January 1, 2023-June 30, 2023. 

Applications cannot be submitted through the GBU Foundation Scholarship website (gbufoundation.awardspring.com).

High School Freshman Grant applicants must provide their official spring 2023 report card showing advancement to ninth grade by June 30.

Notification will be by email and mail.

Important Dates

For more information, please contact Charitable Giving and PR Specialist Ken Elliott at kenneth.elliott@gbu.org or 412-336-3246, or the Community Development Team at memberbenefits@gbu.org or 800-765-4428.