Chime Scholars Foundation Now Accepting Applications for 2025-2026
Chime® announced today that the Chime Scholars Foundation (“CSF”) has officially opened its application process for the 2025-2026 academic year. This initiative provides an opportunity for aspiring scholars to apply for scholarships of up to $20,000 to support their educational goals, paving the way for greater career opportunities, higher lifetime earnings, and overall financial stability.
Chime Scholars Foundation: A Commitment to Education and Financial Progress
Since its inception in 2022, the Chime Scholars Foundation has been dedicated to expanding access to higher education by offering financial assistance to students who may not have had the means to pursue post-secondary education otherwise. This program aligns with Chime’s broader mission of promoting financial progress for everyday Americans, ensuring that education is not a privilege limited to a select few but a realistic aspiration for many.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, CSF awarded over $2 million in scholarships to 438 students across the United States. This financial support has enabled students to focus on their academic pursuits without the overwhelming burden of tuition costs and student debt. However, CSF is more than just a scholarship provider. Scholars who receive funding become part of a dynamic and supportive network that includes fellow CSF scholars and Chime employees, fostering mentorship, collaboration, and career development opportunities.
A Unique and Inclusive Approach to Scholarships
Unlike many traditional scholarship programs that focus solely on academic achievements, standardized test scores, or a narrow demographic of students, CSF takes a holistic and inclusive approach. The foundation welcomes students from all walks of life, irrespective of their age, background, or educational journey. Whether they are mid-career professionals seeking a career change, community college students transferring to a four-year institution, part-time students balancing education with work, or individuals from low-income or marginalized communities, CSF aims to create pathways to success for all.
Beyond conventional college degree programs, CSF also supports vocational training, apprenticeships, trade schools, and technical certification programs. Research consistently highlights the economic benefits of higher education, showing that earning a degree or certification can nearly double lifetime earnings while significantly reducing the risk of unemployment. By investing in vocational and technical education, CSF ensures that scholars can pursue stable, in-demand careers that contribute to both personal and economic growth.
The Vision Behind CSF
Chime’s commitment to financial empowerment extends beyond banking services. Chris Britt, CEO of Chime, emphasized the importance of CSF in fulfilling the company’s broader mission.
“We started Chime to improve financial services for everyday people. Our idea was simple: if we could reduce stress around money, our members would have a better chance to live better lives. CSF expands on this mission by funding college and other post-secondary programs Chime Scholars for those who have the ambition to pursue a brighter future,” Britt stated. “The financial support I received for my education changed my life, and I’m incredibly proud of CSF’s impact—giving motivated students an opportunity like I had and helping them unlock their financial progress.”
Chime’s dedication to fostering financial progress is evident in its actions. The company has pledged 1% of its equity over the next decade to fund CSF, ensuring sustainable and long-term support for scholars. This commitment underscores Chime’s belief in education as a vehicle for economic mobility and a means to break the cycle of financial hardship.
Real Impact: How CSF Transforms Lives
Since 2022, CSF has positively impacted nearly 600 scholars across the country, helping to ease financial burdens, improve graduation rates, and create pathways to well-paying careers. The success of CSF is not just theoretical but backed by compelling data:
- 100% of surveyed CSF graduates credit the foundation with helping them achieve their degree or certification.
- Chime scholars have a projected 87% graduation rate, nearly double the national average for Federal Pell Grant recipients.
- 72% of CSF scholars secure jobs in their field within six months of graduation.
- 86% of recipients report a significant reduction in financial stress, allowing them to focus on their studies and career aspirations.
- More than three-quarters of scholars report that their scholarship reduced or eliminated the need to work while attending school, allowing them to dedicate more time to their education.
These statistics demonstrate that CSF is not just funding education but actively changing lives. By providing financial relief, mentorship, and career opportunities, the foundation is equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in their chosen fields.
Expanding Opportunities Beyond Traditional College Degrees
One of the key differentiators of CSF is its commitment to supporting a wide range of educational pursuits. While many scholarship programs prioritize traditional four-year university degrees, CSF recognizes that success comes in many forms. By funding vocational training, technical certifications, and apprenticeships, the foundation is opening doors for individuals pursuing careers in high-demand industries such as healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and more.
For example, an aspiring electrician or medical technician might not require a bachelor’s degree but instead need specialized training and certification. These professions are essential to the economy and often offer stable, lucrative employment. CSF’s willingness to support these career paths sets it apart from many other scholarship programs, making higher education accessible to a broader audience.
Chime’s Broader Impact on Financial Progress
CSF is a natural extension of Chime’s overarching mission to promote financial wellness. The company’s innovative approach to banking—which includes no-fee checking accounts, early access to direct deposits, and automated savings tools—has helped millions of Americans improve Chime Scholars their financial health. According to surveys, 97% of Chime members report that the platform has helped them achieve at least one aspect of financial progress.
By funding CSF, Chime is not only investing in individual scholars but also strengthening entire communities. Education is a powerful tool for financial stability, and by reducing barriers to higher learning, Chime is creating a ripple effect that benefits families, businesses, and the broader economy.
The Future of CSF
With the launch of the 2025-2026 scholarship application process, CSF is poised to make an even greater impact in the coming years. The foundation remains committed to expanding its reach, increasing the number of scholarships awarded, and continuously improving the support system for its scholars.
As economic challenges persist and tuition costs continue to rise, programs like CSF are more critical than ever. By prioritizing inclusivity, innovation, and long-term sustainability, CSF is setting a new standard for what a scholarship program can achieve.
For aspiring scholars looking to take the next step in their educational journey, the opportunity is now. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are officially Chime Scholars open, and CSF encourages students of all backgrounds to apply. By investing in their education today, these scholars are paving the way for a brighter, more financially secure future.
The Chime Scholars Foundation represents more than just financial aid; it is a movement dedicated to breaking down barriers to education and creating pathways to success for everyday Americans. With its inclusive approach, significant financial backing, and commitment to real-world impact, CSF is helping shape the next generation of professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. As the foundation continues to grow, its impact will only deepen, ensuring that financial progress is within reach for all who dare to dream big.
