A $2,000 scholarship will not pay for an entire degree, but it can ease initial charges, books, or supplies when combined with other aid. Firstmark Credit Union lists fifteen $2,000 Cunningham awards for 2027 for high-school seniors preparing to enter college. Five awards are reserved for students planning to work in education; the others follow the program’s published criteria and available funding.
A defining condition is that the student or a parent or guardian be a Firstmark member in good standing. Funds may be used for education expenses at an academically accredited two- or four-year institution. The credit union excludes its employees, board members, and their families. The page presents the award as a community opportunity tied to membership, not as a scholarship automatically open to every Texas student.
The official 2027 application window runs January 1 through March 1 through the San Antonio Area Foundation’s EPIC portal. Firstmark instructs applicants to complete the profile and select “Firstmark Cunningham Scholarship” specifically; the portal also offers applications for other awards administered by that Foundation. Before submitting, confirm that the membership meets the required status, save the electronic receipt, and ask the administrator whether the award can be combined with institutional aid. Firstmark reports more than $345,000 awarded since 1994, but an individual award depends on annual selection.
Before applying, confirm that the school and program fit your situation and that the application window is current. Gather transcripts, FAFSA information, essays, and references; keep a copy and submission receipt. Track the application deadline separately from supporting-document dates. After submitting, monitor the portal and email until the file is marked complete. Ask the financial-aid office how the award coordinates with FAFSA and other scholarships, and do not budget funds that have not been awarded.
When comparing options, confirm whether the benefit is a scholarship, grant, tuition waiver, or loan: they are not all repaid or applied to the same charges. Request a written estimate of the balance after FAFSA and other awards, check renewal terms, and do not sign a loan thinking it is a scholarship.
Read the program profile and the federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Cunningham Scholarships — Firstmark Credit Union.
EPIC Scholarship Application — San Antonio Area Foundation.
Firstmark Foundation — Firstmark Credit Union.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Each program has its own funding, eligibility, and calendar; confirm the current terms before applying. An advertised award does not guarantee selection.
Confirm eligibility, current terms, and application steps with the official source before relying on aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Frank Price & Helen Shipman Cunningham Scholarship — Firstmark Credit Union
A $2,000 scholarship will not pay for an entire degree, but it can ease initial charges, books, or supplies when combined with other aid. Firstmark Credit Union lists fifteen $2,000 Cunningham awards for 2027 for high-school seniors preparing to enter college. Five awards are reserved for students planning to work in education; the others follow the program’s published criteria and available funding.
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Firstmark Credit Union · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Antonio Area Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Firstmark Credit Union · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Firstmark Credit Union · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Frank Price & Helen Shipman Cunningham Scholarship — Firstmark Credit Union ↗
Primary source
San Antonio Area Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Frank Price & Helen Shipman Cunningham Scholarship — Firstmark Credit Union ↗
Primary source
Firstmark Credit Union · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.