Protégé FAQ

The Protégé Competition is an opportunity for credit unions and chapters to: recognize the value and potential in rising professionals age 40 and under; enhance chapter programming and credit union interest; reinforce cooperative principles and credit union philosophy; and support CUxEL and the league’s investment in developing leadership.

Eligible candidates must be from a League-affiliated credit union, and at least 18 years of age and no more than 40 years of age by February 12, 2025 prior to the finals. All finalists must also be available to compete at the finals February 12-13, 2025.

There is no personal cost to apply or participate in this competition. If you win the chapter-level contest, your chapter and credit union will work together to cover the expenses for your conference registration, hotel accommodations, gas reimbursement, and meals not included in the hotel rate.

Contact your chapter representatives for the specific date for your competition. All participating chapters must have a finalist determined by Friday, December 6, 2025.

As they become available, chapter-level competition dates will be posted on the online event calendar.

No. Your credit union may only send one candidate to compete in the competition. If you have more than one credit union employee interested in competing, we encourage you to host an internal competition to select your candidate to move forward to the chapter-level contest. Credit union judging teams can use this credit union-level judging form.

The Protégé Competition is based on a three-tiered structure. Each credit union determines one (1) candidate to send to the chapter-level competition, where he or she will submit an application which includes a one-page essay submission, and give a five-minute presentation (PowerPoint optional) on a category from a League-provided list.

Once chapter-level representatives are determined, those winners will go on to compete in the finals at the League’s LAUNCH Conference February 12-13, 2025. At the finals, contestants will complete a brief, multiple-choice proctored exam and present their oral presentation to conference attendees.

Judging at the chapter and finals levels will be based on the same criteria: Credit Union Knowledge – 25%; Ability to Communicate – 50%; and Personality – 25%.

The finals are scheduled to be held at the League’s LAUNCH Conference February 12-13, 2025 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa, Concord, NC. Finalists are required to be in attendance for the full two-day conference.

All participants in the Protégé Competition gain enhanced credit union knowledge, positive reinforcement of their value to the movement, and networking via participation in the CUxEL Network.

At the Chapter Level:

• Each chapter works with the finalist’s sponsor credit union to support his/her participation in the Protégé finals, including two-nights lodging, mileage and some expenses (or a stipend). Estimated total value is $500-$600 (estimation includes the cost of registration, hotel for two nights, meals, and gas reimbursement).
• Chapter winners will also have the opportunity to sign up for the Mentor Program, which pairs a mentee with a volunteer credit union executive for valuable cross-cultural impact and career development. Click here for more details.

At the Finals Level:

• The winner of the final’s competition will have involvement the CUxEL Council. Additional opportunities for outreach will be coordinated by CUxEL.
• Immediate benefit to the 2025 Protégé and two runners-up is a selection of one of four developmental scholarships below.
  • Southeast CUNA Management School – First year’s registration, valued at current rate (requires commitment to three-year program to graduate).
  • CCUL Hike the Hill (Washington, DC) – Full participation including airfare and lodging, valued up to $1,500.
  • TalentGuided Professional Coaching – 8 sessions with coach of your choice (subject to availability), valued at $1,400.
  • Principles & Philosophy Conference + Webinar Voucher – Includes conference tuition, two nights lodging, meals, and a $600 webinar voucher, valued at $1,300.

The CUxEL Protégé will hold the title for one year from the date the winner is determined.