Applications Open for CBA’s 2026 Scholarship Opportunities

Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA) is pleased to announce that applications are available for the 2026 scholarship programs, now proudly led as a LEAD Board initiative. These scholarships support education and leadership growth for students and community bank employees, helping to build the next generation of talent in Georgia’s community banking industry.

This year, the scholarship program is led by LEAD Board Members Linda Smith, Embassy National Bank and Jay Funderburke, South Georgia Banking Company, whose leadership and commitment to developing future industry leaders continue to strengthen the program’s impact.

Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship honors the legacy of the late CBA CEO Julian Hester, and his daughter Jan. It awards four $1,000 scholarships to Georgia high school seniors planning to enroll full-time at a Georgia college, university, or technical institute. Applicants must be sponsored by a local community bank and demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and an interest in community banking through essays, activity records, and recommendations.

McNair Family Scholarship
The McNair Family Scholarship recognizes and honors the achievements of Nicholas (Nick) R. Cimino. The scholarship will be awarded once per year to an adult learner who is currently employed at a Georgia community bank and plans to work towards an associate, bachelors, or trade degree. An adult learner is someone two years removed from high school and working at least 25 hours per week at a Georgia community bank. The award is $1,000 and is paid directly to the institution of higher learning to help offset educational expenses.

J. Steven Walraven Memorial Scholarship
Named for the late community banking leader J. Steven Walraven, this annual scholarship provides $500 to a Georgia community bank employee (full- or part-time) planning to attend a college or university in Georgia. The goal of the scholarship is to assist those employees interested in furthering their education to enhance their career in community banking.

Important Deadlines:

• Applications due to the bank: April 3, 2026
• Completed submissions due to CBA: April 10, 2026

For full eligibility details and application materials, visit the CBA Scholarship Page and share these opportunities with bank team members and in your community.