The Missouri Bankers Foundation is a philanthropic endeavor of the Missouri Bankers Association that seeks to strengthen the banking industry by preparing the next generation of Missouri banking leaders through annual scholarships of $2,000 initially, with an additional $1,000 second year award possible.

First Year Application

Complete Application

Application Submission and Deadline

Applications and materials must be received by June 1, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be notified in July 2026. Submit application and materials to mba@mobankers.com.

Eligibility

  • must enrolled at a college/university and seeking a degree in a banking-related field
  • must currently be employed at a Missouri bank for a minimum of one year OR must have completed at least 60 college credit hours and completed an internship within past 12 months at a Missouri bank for college credit

Other Information

  • Degree can include an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degree. It also may include certificate of achievement from an accredited community college for a specific banking-related certification.
  • Banking-related field includes a wide range of programs. Priority will be given to students with majors most closely related to finance.
  • Missouri bank is a commercial bank location within the state of Missouri, including the Kansas City and St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Areas. Employment at a bank holding company or bank subsidiary meets the bank employment requirement.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following.

  • completed scholarship application
  • two letters of recommendation
    • one must be from current supervisor (or higher) at bank employer or from supervisor at bank where internship was completed
  • for internship applicant, a copy of course syllabus and documents demonstrating internship for credit
  • brief essay addressing the following:
    • reasons for pursuing a banking-related career
    • role at bank, goals, experiences
    • academic achievement
    • impact this scholarship would have on future plans
    • resume
      • must include education, employment and service history
  • proof of enrollment at the college or university, including transcript

Scholarship Selection

  • Decisions made by the scholarship selection committee are final.
  • Pool of applicants, bank asset size and geographic location may be considered to ensure diversification.
  • Awarded scholarship checks will be mailed directly to recipient’s college/university or education program.

Second Year Application

Second year scholarships will not be awarded until 2027.

Complete Application

Application Submission and Deadline

Applications and materials must be received by June 1, 2027. Scholarship recipients will be notified in July 2027. Submit application and materials to mba@mobankers.com.

Eligibility

  • must be enrolled at a college/university and seeking a degree in a banking-related field
  • must have received MBF first-year scholarship

Other Information

  • Degree can include an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degree. It also may include certificate of achievement from an accredited community college for a specific banking-related certification.
  • Banking-related field includes a wide range of programs. Priority will be given to students with majors most closely related to finance.

Application Materials

Second-year applicants must submit the following.

  • completed second-year scholarship application
  • Brief essay addressing the following:
    • reflection on the banking and educational experiences gained over the past year and how these insights are shaping direction of your banking career; provide specific examples
  • proof of enrollment at the college or university, including transcript

Scholarship Selection

  • Decisions made by the scholarship selection committee are final.
  • Pool of applicants, bank asset size and geographic location may be considered to ensure diversification.
  • Awarded scholarship checks will be mailed directly to recipient’s college/university or education program.

For More Information

Please contact MBA at 573-636-8151.