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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who can apply for the scholarship?

Any community banker who has applied and been approved to attend the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking (“Stonier”).  Perette Bonner, program director of Stonier, reviews all applications for acceptance to the school based on the following criteria:

  • Five years’ experience in financial services
  • Working knowledge of at least three of the following five areas: financial statement analysis, bank operations, credit administration, accounting, and economics.
  • Currently working in a community bank.
  1. For purposes of this scholarship, how is “community bank” defined?

A community bank:

  • Is insured by the FDIC
  • Has $10 billion or less in assets
  • Develops and maintains connections to local communities and the small business economy
  • Performs fundamental banking functions of deposit gathering, wealth management, and lending
  • Is in good standing, with no negative regulatory exam results or violations in place at time of application
  1. What does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship award covers tuition for the first year of attendance at the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking. Travel, accommodations, and meals are the responsibility of the recipient and their bank.

  1. What is the scholarship application deadline?

The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2026.

  1. How will I know if I am awarded the scholarship?

You will receive a letter notifying you and your nominating officer of the award.

  1. If I am awarded the scholarship, what is my next step?

Notify the program director in writing at pbonner@aba.com of your intent to accept the scholarship award and to attend the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

  1. If I am not approved for this year, can I apply again the next year?

The scholarship is open to first-year participants for Stonier, those applying to year 1 or accelerated. If you are not approved for this year, you may be selected to submit another application, but only if you are deferring your first year of attendance at Stonier as well.