Scholarship Opportunities
Educational Scholarships for FCSU Members
Scholarships are a vital lifeline for young people and their families, easing the burden of hefty tuition fees and other expenses related to an enhanced education. Scholarships help provide access to private and public learning institutions, enabling our future leaders to reach their full potential.
FCSU offers more than 130 scholarships for its members, covering grade school through graduate school and even vocational/technical schools. Awarded by both the national office of FCSU and its branches, these scholarships range from $500 to $4000. On average, FCSU awards more than $202K+ each year.
Browse the scholarship categories below for complete information on application requirements.
$202K+
Scholarships awarded
Available Scholarships for FCSU Members
Stephen C. Matula Scholarship
FCSU Financial announces a $5,000 Stephen C. Matula Scholarship for 25 college students of SLOVAK HERITAGE.
- Applicants of Slovak heritage are eligible to apply as high school seniors, or during any year of full-time enrollment in an accredited College/University. Applicants can apply each year in college (up to 4 years).
- Applicants must be a member of the FCSU as of December 31, 2024.
- Applicants must have: a minimum of $5,000 of reserve insurance (Ordinary Whole Life, Twenty Pay Whole Life, or Single Premium Whole Life), or minimum of $25,000 JEP policy (on new policy); or minimum of $1,000 of Juvenile Life Savings; or minimum of $500 in an annuity or Coverdell IRA with the FCSU.
- Applicants must complete and sign an official Scholarship application obtained from a branch officer, the Home Office or www.fcsu.com and mail it to: Stephen C. Matula Scholarship, FCSU, 6611 Rockside Rd, #300, Independence, OH 44131. Applicants must also provide a high-resolution headshot photo and email it to scholarship@fcsu.com.
- Winners will be chosen by the Scholarship Committee by the middle of August, and checks will be payable to the winner’s educational institution after submitting proof of college enrollment.
- Winners must provide a report on their progress in college, including transcript and a summary of use of the funds by the end of
the school year. - For more info call us at 800.533.6682 ext. 114 or email scholarship@fcsu.com
Applications due June 26, 2026.
FCSU Scholarship
Scholarship Categories & Applications
- Catholic GRADE School Scholarship Application (5-8)
- Catholic HIGH School Scholarship Application
- COLLEGE Scholarship Application
- GRADUATE School Scholarship Application
- VOCATIONAL/TRADE Schools Scholarship Application
Applicants must have a minimum of $5,000 of reserve insurance (Ordinary Whole Life, Twenty Pay Whole Life, or Single Premium Whole Life), or minimum of $25,000 JEP policy (on new policy), or minimum of $1,000 of Juvenile Life Savings, or minimum of $500 in an annuity or Coverdell IRA with the FCSU for at least three years prior to April 1st of the year in which they are applying.
Applicants are eligible to win once in each of the 5 categories.
For Rules & Requirements please click on each category above.
2026 FCSU Scholarship applications are now available. Applications must be RECEIVED BY MARCH 13, 2026.
For more info call us at 800.533.6682 ext. 114.
Attention Previous Scholarship Winners
$3,000 paid-up policy for the FCSU Scholarship winners.
As a winner of the FCSU Scholarship program in college and graduate categories you are entitled to receive a $3,000.00 paid-up policy.
Please provide a copy of your college diploma and a completed Life Insurance Application form which can be printed at https://www.fcsu.com/forms/ under Insurance Applications. (Insurance Applications (JEP Only). Please select the state in which you reside.
Complete, sign and mail back to our office for processing.
Upon receipt of your completed application and a copy of your diploma, we will issue you a policy.
Available Branch Scholarships
Branch 181 Youth Member Scholastic Assistance
For the Fall 2026 start of the academic year, the St. John the Baptist Society – Branch 181 of United, PA, will be offering $500 scholarships to eligible high school senior members planning to attend college or career/technical school. These will be one-time scholarships selected by an independent panel that will evaluate each application. The number of scholarships awarded is dependent on the number of eligible applicants.
Youth members may be eligible to qualify for a scholarship if the following requirements are met:
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- You are a member in good Standing of the First Catholic Slovak Union, St. John the Baptist Society – Branch 181.
- You have been a member of Branch 181 for 4 years prior to applying with a minimum $5000 insurance policy.
- You are a high school senior preparing to graduate in 2026 and have applied for the 2026 Fall term at a qualifying Educational institution.
To obtain more information, please contact Vicki Hricik by phone 724-433-8469 or email vicki15@zoominternet.net.
These scholarships are solely funded by your local Branch 181 and are independent of the First Catholic Slovak Union National Office.
Branch 670 Scholarship Program
Three $1,000 Scholarships Available
Branch 670 of Donora, PA is excited to announce that it is accepting applications for its 2026 Scholarship Program. The committee will award, to the candidates who best satisfy the criteria, up to three one-time $1,000 scholarships. Any individual of Branch 670 that has had a policy for at least 4 years, is current in their premiums, is a high school senior and will attend ANY post education institution is eligible to apply.
Mail completed applications to: Nicole Hyatt, 410 Sunset Hills Drive, Freedom, PA 15042 or e-mail branch670activities@gmail.com
Branch 856 Summer Essay Contest
Branch 856 Summer Essay Contest
Available for the children and grandchildren of Branch 856 Members.
Submit a Slovak Themed Essay for a Chance to Earn a Prize!
The contest will have two divisions:
- Ages 10-14 (essay max. 400 words)
- Ages 15-18 (essay max. 800 words)
Topic suggestions include Slovak cultural and political history, biographies of famous Slovaks, history of the FCSU/Jednota, the influence of religion in Slovakia, and the impact of automobile production on the Slovak economy. All subjects related to Slovakia will be considered.
Winners will be announced September 8, 2025.
- Two $250 prizes will be awarded in the 15-18 category
- Two $150 prizes will be awarded in the 10-14 category
Entrants must include the following information:
- Full name and age of the entrant
- Name of the Branch 856 member and relationship to entrant
- Entrant’s school
- Entrant’s address
Any questions can be emailed to: Ray Luca, Summer Essay Contest Chairman, at rayjluca@cox.net.
Essays should be mailed and postmarked by August 31st to:
Essay Contest
P.O. Box 2502
Springfield, VA 22152-2502
Scholarship applications for 2025 are closed.
Branch 746 Scholarship Program
FCSU Branch 746 Scholarship was established to award a one-time $1,500 scholarship to eligible Branch 746 members to assist them with their educational pursuits.
To apply, please complete the following steps.
The deadline to apply is June 30th. Scholarship awards will be announced by September 1st. Applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria will not be considered for a scholarship but are encouraged to re-apply at a future date.
Jednota Branch 746 Scholarship eligibility:
• Must be a member of Branch 746 with paid up life insurance premium of $5,000 or more;
• Of Slovak descent and Catholic faith;
• Currently accepted and/or enrolled in full-time college, another post-secondary educational institution, or vocational institution;
• High school senior student through junior year of college, post-secondary and/or vocational institution.
• Past Branch 746 Scholarship recipients are not eligible as this is a one-time scholarship.
Application criteria:
Applicants will be required to describe accomplishments they believe would qualify them for recognition in general, and specifically, accomplishments in the areas of:
• Scholarship
• Leadership
• Service to school, church and community
• Involvement in Jednota Branch 746 (applicant should have attended at minimum one meeting and/or event in the current or previous calendar the year of application)
How to Apply:
1. Submit a copy of your high school, college, or vocational institution transcript of grades;
2. Provide one (1) letter of recommendation authored by a teacher, counselor, administrator or an employment supervisor familiar with the applicant;
3. Compose an essay (minimum 250 words) describing your background; community involvement; scholastic excellence; leadership ability; and career objectives;
4. Submit a copy of paid-up life insurance of $5,000 or more or letter from Home Office confirming such contract.
5. Email files to JednotaBranch746@gmail.com.
Scholarship applications for 2026 now being accepted.
Additional Scholarships
Pennsylvania Fraternal Alliance Scholarship
The Scholarship Committee of the Pennsylvania Fraternal Alliance announces that applications are now available for the annual Scholarship Program. At least six $500 scholarships will be awarded. Additional scholarships may be awarded depending upon available funds.
Applicants must:
- Be a resident of Pennsylvania and a member of a Fraternal Benefit Society that is a member of the Pennsylvania Fraternal Alliance.
- Be a current year high school graduate attending an accredited college, university, trade school, etc. in the summer/fall as a full-time student (twelve semester credits).
- Obtain a recommendation letter from their Fraternal Benefit Society.
- Submit a 500-word essay on: “What has membership in a Fraternal insurance company meant to you”.
Return the completed application, essay and letter of recommendation, postmarked no later than June 30, 2026.
Contact Rebecca Kasper 800-234-5222 or e-mail kasperb@lcbalife.org with questions. View our website at www.pafraternals.org.
The Jednota Benevolent Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Fund
THE COMMITTEE SHALL AWARD UP TO TEN (10) $500 SCHOLARSHIPS TO THE CANDIDATES WHO BEST SATISFY THE AWARD CRITERIA. Applicants, even those who are previous recipients of this scholarship, may apply yearly.
Jednota Benevolent Foundation Award Criteria:
Any individual of Slovak descent and Catholic faith who is currently enrolled in college or another post secondary educational institution is eligible for a Scholarship.
Applicants will be required to describe accomplishments they believe would qualify them for recognition in general, and specifically, accomplishments in the areas of:
- Scholarship
- Leadership
- Service to school, church and community
Applicants will also be required to provide
- An official high school or college transcript of grades and all standardized test scores achieved;
- One (1) letter of recommendation authored by a teacher, counselor, administrator or an employment supervisor familiar with the applicant;
- Examples of applicant’s community involvement;
- A list and description of leadership positions held by applicant;
- A list of awards received by applicant for scholastic excellence, community involvement, or leadership ability;
- A description of the applicant’s academic or career objectives;
- A statement demonstrating an applicant’s need for education financing.
Applications will be available in August 2026.
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