COLUMBUS, IND. (January 13, 2026) — The Centra Foundation is now accepting
applications for the 2026 Loretta M. Burd Scholarship Program. The program will award 34
$2,500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors and adult students for the fall 2026
semester.
Each Centra branch location will award one $2,500 scholarship to a high school senior in
the local community. A select number of scholarships will be awarded to adult or non-
traditional students who have decided to return to school. The Loretta M. Burd Adult
Scholarship may be used to pursue an undergraduate degree, graduate degree or
certification from an accredited college, university or technical/trade school. A select number
of scholarships will be awarded to those looking to pursue a skilled trade or technical
profession.
Named in honor of Loretta M. Burd, who retired from Centra Credit Union after 47 years of
service, the Loretta M. Burd Scholarship Program is designed to invest in Members’ futures.
The program specifically helps local students who plan to attend a two- or four-year college,
university or technical/trade school. The Centra Foundation would like to recognize Shirley
Shea for her support of the Loretta M. Burd Adult Scholarship Program. Centra is very
grateful for her continued support.
To qualify for a scholarship, the applicant or the applicant’s parent or legal guardian must be
a Member of Centra Credit Union with an account in good standing. To learn more about
how to become a Centra Member, individuals can visit https://www.centra.org/become-a-
member/. Awards can be used at two- or four-year colleges, universities or technical/trade
schools for the fall 2026 semester.
Applications will be accepted until March 8, 2026, at https://www.centra.org/centra-
foundation/scholarships/. Applications will be reviewed on academic achievements, school
and community involvement, work history and a short essay about financial literacy. The
scholarship places value on well-rounded students who display a strong work ethic and
involvement in their local community. Scholarship recipients will be announced in April
2026.
About Centra Foundation
Centra Foundation is the charitable arm of Centra Credit Union and was formed to extend
the credit union’s mission of People Helping People. The Centra Foundation is Centered on
Caring and aims to support charitable efforts that help meet the needs of communities
where Centra Members live and work.
About Centra Credit Union
Centered around its Members, Centra Credit Union is a community-based, full-service
financial institution with 28 branch locations throughout central and southern Indiana, and in
Jamestown, New York and Whitakers, North Carolina. Founded in 1940 on the principle of
People Helping People, Centra strives to create value for Members, Team Members, and
the Communities it serves. With more than $2 billion in total assets, Centra is among the ten
largest credit unions in the state of Indiana.
