College Grant Program
ACCEL/Exchange gives back to the community through the Education Exchange college grant program that awards $50,000 to eligible high school seniors each school year. The program's goal is to recognize, honor and assist hardworking and academically talented students as they further their education and prepare for today's careers.

Established in 1994 specifically for ACCEL/Exchange Member institutions, the program is designed to help promote these institutions as customer-oriented businesses that care about and invest in the communities they serve.

Grant Eligibility
The Education Exchange is open from January to March each year to all graduating, college bound seniors who are citizens of the United States. To enter, students simply pick up an application at a participating ACCEL/Exchange Member institution and mail completed applications directly to ACCEL/Exchange for judging.

Judging and Awards
A professional panel of judges selects the grant recipients based on exceptional scholastic achievement, extra-curricular activities, qualities of character and leadership, essay responses and financial need. Judging takes place from March to May each year. Grant recipients are announced each June. The Education Exchange offers 34 college grants worth a combined total of $50,000. Four $5,000 grants and thirty $1,000 grants are awarded annually.

How to Participate
Participating in the grant program is easy, and it costs nothing for ACCEL/Exchange Member institutions. ACCEL/Exchange contributes all grant money and provides comprehensive marketing support free-of-charge.

If you are an ACCEL/Exchange Member institution, watch your mail each October for the Materials Request Order Form and other program tools from ACCEL/Exchange. Then, simply order the free marketing materials (such as posters, statement stuffers, and counter cards with application forms), and display these items in your lobby or other prominent area. ACCEL/Exchange also provides publicity materials to kick-off the annual program.

Once grant recipients are chosen in May, the sponsoring financial institutions will be notified. ACCEL/Exchange offers marketing tools to our Members to promote the grant recipients' accomplishments. ACCEL/Exchange even provides tips for hosting award ceremonies for the students.