Scholarship Opportunity Near You in Lancaster

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About the Gerald & Barbara Fortney Memorial Scholarship

Lanco Federal Credit Union grants the Gerald & Barbara Fortney Memorial Scholarship—an award of $2,000 to an individual who has been accepted at an accredited institution and be planning to earn a post-secondary degree in any field of study (including a Trade School, a Vocational School, or a Community College) The application period is held annually beginning in January, with applications due by May 1.

Lanco FCU’s Board of Directors established the scholarship in 1985, in memory of Gerald Fortney, the credit union’s founding CEO and educator in the Hempfield School District. To honor Mr. Fortney’s passion for the business field, the scholarship was originally offered only to students planning to earn a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field of study. The Board has expanded scholarship eligibility to students pursuing any associate degree, bachelor’s degree, trade school, vocational school or community college. This expansion preserves the spirit of the scholarship and memory of Mr. Fortney’s dedication to students’ educational and career success. In 2026, to honor Mr. Fortney’s passion for education and the impact of Barbara Fortney to both Lanco FCU and the Credit Union Movement, Lanco FCU’s Board of Directors revised the scholarship name to the Gerald & Barbara Fortney Scholarship, as well as opening scholarship eligibility to any individual planning to earn a post-secondary degree from any accredited institution.

Scholarship Application Packet

Who is Eligible for the Gerald & Barbara Fortney Memorial Scholarship?

To be eligible for Lanco FCU’s Gerald & Barbara Fortney Memorial Scholarship, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

    • Applicant is a Lanco FCU member, or the child/in legal custody of a Lanco FCU member, in good standing.
    • Applicant must have been accepted at an accredited institution (including a trade school, a vocational school, or a community college) and be planning to earn a post-secondary degree in any field of study.
    • Applicant has demonstrated a willingness to be of service to the community.

How is the Scholarship Winner Selected and Awarded?

A scholarship committee, comprised of members of Lanco FCU’s Board of Directors, will review all applications received. Demonstrated financial need may also be considered. The committee may request to conduct interviews with finalists.

The scholarship winner will be selected and notified no later than June 30, and the award will be made after the fall semester has begun. The recipient will be asked to provide a portrait to accompany an announcement of the award to Lanco FCU’s membership in the credit union’s newsletter and online.

Apply for the Gerald & Barbara Fortney Memorial Scholarship

The Gerald & Barbara Fortney Memorial Scholarship will return in 2027.