The Minnesota Family Involvement Council has $11,000 available in scholarship money for Minnesota credit union members who are continuing their education.

The FIC is offering two $1,000 scholarships and 18 $500 scholarships to 20 credit union members throughout Minnesota. Any individual attending a college or university, graduate or law school, two- or four-year program or community or technical college in the fall of 2011/spring 2012 is eligible.

Those interested in applying need to complete a one-page application form and submit a typed essay (up to 500 words in length) answering the questions, “What does the phrase ‘living within your means’ mean to you? How can your credit union help you achieve this?”

Applicants are encouraged to research the topic using any sources available. The scholarship deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011. The 20 scholarship recipients will be selected and announced in the spring of 2011.

Application packets are available at Accentra Credit Union, 1619 Blake Ave., Albert Lea, or apply online at www.accentracu.org.