SHEFFIELD – A new scholarship partnership with the University of North Alabama will make higher education more accessible and affordable for Bank Independent customers, it was announced today.
“This represents a wonderful partnership in education as it allows us to serve the people of North Alabama,” said Dr. Brien Smith, UNA provost and executive vice president. “Like Bank Independent, UNA has a robust history of bettering the lives of all who live and work in this region, and this is indicative of our shared commitment to educational excellence.”
Beginning immediately, eligible customers who enroll at UNA can receive a 20% scholarship toward undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree programs.
The new initiative underscores both institutions’ shared commitment to investing in communities and empowering individuals to achieve their educational and career goals.
“At Bank Independent, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools for strengthening individuals, families, and communities,” Bank Independent President Macke Mauldin said. “This scholarship opportunity through the University of North Alabama allows us to invest directly in our customers’ futures, helping them unlock their potential and contribute even more to the places we all call home.
“It’s an extension of our mission to make a positive difference — one student, one family, and one success story at a time.”
Available to new UNA enrollees only, the 20% scholarship offers significant savings on tuition and is available for students who:
- Maintain an active Bank Independent checking account for at least 30 days before the start of the semester
- Sign up for online banking
- Hold an active debit card
- Account must have a positive balance
Importantly, this opportunity is not limited to existing Bank Independent customers. Anyone interested in pursuing a degree at UNA can still qualify by opening a Bank Independent checking account and meeting the outlined requirements before the start of the semester.
“Our customers trust us to stand beside them in the moments that matter — and pursuing a college education is one of the most important investments they can make,” Bank Independent CEO Rick Wardlaw said. “Through this scholarship with the University of North Alabama, we’re proud to help remove some of the financial barriers to higher education. It’s one more way we’re committed to empowering our customers and supporting their goals, today and for generations to come.”
The scholarship is not stackable with other UNA institutional awards, and applicants must meet the admission standards for the program to which they apply.
Students ages 15-25 can also take advantage of Bank Independent’s Independent Plus Student Checking account, which features no monthly service charge, complimentary eStatements, and full access to SYNC digital banking tools, including mobile deposit and extended-hour access to SYNC Live ATMs.
“We are excited about this opportunity to welcome Bank Independent customers to UNA in order to pursue their education, whether that is a first-time, first-year student or an adult learning seeking to advance their career,” said Julie Taylor, UNA assistant vice president for enrollment management. “We look forward to helping them begin their academic journey at UNA.”
For more information about the scholarship, visit www.bibank.com/scholarship.
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